Viral encephalitis is a central nervous system infection that causes inflammation of the brain, mainly affecting infants and children, but can also occur in adults when their immune system is weakened.
This type of infection can be a complication of different types of viruses, such as herpes simplex, adenovirus or cytomegalovirus, which develops excessively, due to weakening of the immune system and can affect the brain, causing symptoms such as very severe headaches, fever and seizures.
- Viral encephalitis can be cured.
- However.
- Treatment should be initiated before it is possible to prevent the onset of complications.
- Due to damage caused by inflammation of the brain.
- Also.
- If existing infections are aggravated.
- It is always recommended to go to the hospital.
- To assess the situation.
The first symptoms of viral encephalitis are the result of a viral infection, such as a cold or gastroenteritis, causing symptoms such as headache, fever and vomiting, which cause the evolution of time and cause brain damage that causes more serious symptoms, such as. :
Weed out;
Confusion and agitation;
Seizures;
Paralysis or muscle weakness;
Lost memory;
Rigidity and extension of cells;
Extreme sensitivity to light.
Symptoms of viral encephalitis are not always specific to infection and are confused with other diseases such as meningitis or colds. Diagnosis of infection is made using blood and cerebrospinal fluid tests, an electroencephalogram (EEG), an MRI, a CT scan, or a brain biopsy.
Viral encephalitis is contagious and is transmitted through contact with respiratory secretions, such as saliva or starlings, from an infected person, or through the use of contaminated utensils, such as supports, fists, or vases.
Also, during treatment, it is very important that the person maintains good hygiene and uses a mask to prevent transmission of the virus.
The main goal of treatment is to help the body fight infections and relieve symptoms, so staying at rest, eating well and drinking fluids during the day are critical to curing the disease.
In addition to this, your doctor may also order medications to relieve symptoms such as:
For herpes virus infections or cytomegalovirus, your doctor may receive antivirals, such as aciclovir Foscarnet, for faster removal of the virus, as these infections can cause severe brain damage.
In more serious situations where there is a loss of consciousness the person cannot breathe alone, it may be necessary to stay in the hospital, for the administration of the medication directly intravenously, in addition to having respiratory assistance.
The most common sequences of viral encephalitis are
Memory and learning problems;
Difficulty speaking and listening;
Visual changes;
Epilepsy;
Involuntary muscle movements
However, these sequences are rare and only appear when the infection lasts a long time and treatment gives the expected result.