Does encephalitis affect the nervous system?

The infection and inflammation can range from mild to severe. Encephalitis is rare and affects approximately 4,000 people in the UK each year. Only certain viruses have the capability to affect the nerves and gain access to the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord).

What are three symptoms commonly associated with encephalitis?

The symptoms of encephalitis can range from mild to severe. Mild symptoms include: fever. headache….Severe symptoms include:

• fever of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher.
• confusion.
• drowsiness.
• hallucinations.
• slower movements.
• coma.
• seizures.
• irritability.

How does encephalitis affect the spinal cord?

Autoimmune encephalitis After people have certain viral infections or get certain vaccines, the body’s immune system sometimes attacks the layers of tissue that wrap around nerve fibers (called the myelin sheath ) in the brain and spinal cord—an autoimmune reaction .

What are the side effects of viral encephalitis?

Encephalitis can damage the brain and cause long-term problems including:

• memory problems.
• personality and behavioural changes.
• speech and language problems.
• swallowing problems.
• repeated seizures or fits – known as epilepsy.
• emotional and psychological problems, such as anxiety, depression and mood swings.

How does viral encephalitis affect the nervous system?

The virus directly infects the brain tissue, causing inflammation and potentially injury to the nervous system. Viral encephalitis can be primary, meaning it directly involves the brain from the start, or secondary, meaning that it first affects other parts of the body before traveling to the brain.

What are the symptoms of post infectious encephalitis?

Secondary, or post-infectious, encephalitis is when the immune system responds to a previous infection and mistakenly attacks the brain. The patient typically has a fever, headache, and photophobia (excessive sensitivity to light).

How often does encephalitis occur in the United States?

Encephalitis strikes 10–15 people per 100,000 each year, with more than 250,000 patients diagnosed in the last decade alone in the U.S. The condition can affect anyone, but more often occurs in younger people. Encephalitis can be caused by infections or autoimmune conditions where the body’s own immune responses attack the brain.

How is encephalitis treated in the brain and spinal cord?

Magnetic resonance imaging of the head and a spinal tap are usually done. Treatment involves relieving symptoms and sometimes using antiviral drugs. (See also Overview of Brain Infections .) Encephalitis is most commonly due to viruses, such as herpes simplex, herpes zoster, cytomegalovirus, or West Nile virus. It can occur in the following ways:

How does encephalitis affect the brain and spinal cord?

Primary encephalitis occurs when a virus directly infects the brain and spinal cord. Secondary encephalitis occurs when an infection starts elsewhere in the body and then travels to your brain. The herpes virus typically travels through a nerve to the skin, where it causes a cold sore.

What’s the difference between primary and secondary encephalitis?

There are two main types of encephalitis: primary and secondary. Primary encephalitis occurs when a virus directly infects the brain and spinal cord. Secondary encephalitis occurs when an infection starts elsewhere in the body and then travels to your brain. Encephalitis is a rare yet serious disease that can be life-threatening.

Encephalitis strikes 10–15 people per 100,000 each year, with more than 250,000 patients diagnosed in the last decade alone in the U.S. The condition can affect anyone, but more often occurs in younger people. Encephalitis can be caused by infections or autoimmune conditions where the body’s own immune responses attack the brain.

What causes a person to have autoimmune encephalitis?

This is called autoimmune encephalitis. Often, the cause of the problem with the immune system is unknown. Very rarely, encephalitis can be caused by bacterial or fungal infections. Several different viruses that can cause encephalitis are spread by insect bites (for example, mosquito or tick bites). These are more commonly found outside the UK.