What are the early warning signs of encephalitis. How is a brain infection diagnosed. What are the most common causes of brain inflammation. How is encephalitis treated. Can brain infections lead to long-term complications.

Understanding Encephalitis: A Serious Brain Inflammation

Encephalitis is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by inflammation of the brain’s active tissues. This inflammation can result from either an infection or an autoimmune response. The swelling of the brain caused by encephalitis can lead to various symptoms, including headaches, stiff neck, and sensitivity to light.

While encephalitis is a severe condition, it’s essential to distinguish it from other brain infections, such as brain abscesses. Both require immediate medical attention, but their causes, symptoms, and treatments can differ.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Brain Infections

Identifying the symptoms of brain infections early is crucial for prompt treatment and better outcomes. While symptoms can vary depending on the specific type of infection, some common signs include:

• Severe headache
• High fever
• Confusion or altered mental state
• Seizures
• Muscle weakness or paralysis
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stiff neck
• Sensitivity to light
• Vision changes

In the case of a brain abscess, additional symptoms may include:

• Slurred speech
• Changes in vision, such as blurring or double vision
• Localized muscle weakness or paralysis on one side of the body

When should you seek medical attention for potential brain infection symptoms?

Any symptoms suggesting a problem with the brain and nervous system should be treated as a medical emergency. If you or someone you know experiences severe headache, confusion, seizures, or sudden muscle weakness, call emergency services immediately. Early intervention can be crucial in preventing long-term complications or even saving a life.

Common Causes of Brain Infections

Brain infections can arise from various sources, and understanding these causes can help in prevention and early detection. Here are some of the most common causes:

Viral Infections

Viral infections are a frequent cause of encephalitis. Some common viruses that can lead to encephalitis include:

• Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
• Varicella-zoster virus (which causes chickenpox and shingles)
• Epstein-Barr virus
• West Nile virus
• Rabies virus

Bacterial Infections

While less common than viral causes, bacterial infections can also lead to encephalitis or brain abscesses. These may occur due to:

• Spread of infection from nearby areas (e.g., ear infections, sinusitis, or dental abscesses)
• Bacterial meningitis that progresses to affect brain tissue
• Infections elsewhere in the body that spread to the brain via the bloodstream

Fungal Infections

Fungal infections of the brain are rare but can occur, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems. Common fungi that can cause brain infections include:

• Cryptococcus neoformans
• Aspergillus species
• Candida albicans

Parasitic Infections

Certain parasites can also cause brain infections, though these are less common in developed countries. Examples include:

• Toxoplasma gondii
• Naegleria fowleri (the “brain-eating amoeba”)

Autoimmune Causes

In some cases, encephalitis can result from the body’s immune system mistakenly attacking brain tissue. This is known as autoimmune encephalitis and can be triggered by various factors, including:

• Certain cancers
• Exposure to specific drugs or toxins
• Unknown triggers

Diagnosing Brain Infections: From Symptoms to Scans

Diagnosing a brain infection requires a combination of clinical assessment, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. The process typically involves the following steps:

1. Initial assessment: A healthcare provider will evaluate symptoms, medical history, and any recent infections or potential exposures.
2. Physical examination: This includes checking for signs of increased intracranial pressure, neurological deficits, and meningeal irritation.
3. Blood tests: These can help identify signs of infection and inflammation.
4. Lumbar puncture (spinal tap): This procedure allows for the collection and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid, which can provide crucial information about the presence and type of infection.
5. Imaging studies: CT scans and MRI scans are essential for visualizing brain inflammation, abscesses, or other abnormalities.
6. Electroencephalogram (EEG): This test can help detect abnormal brain activity associated with encephalitis.
7. Brain biopsy: In rare cases, a small sample of brain tissue may be needed to confirm the diagnosis or identify the cause of the infection.

How accurate are brain scans in diagnosing infections?

Brain scans, particularly MRI scans, are highly accurate in detecting brain inflammation and abscesses. However, they are not always definitive in identifying the specific cause of the infection. CT scans can quickly detect major abnormalities but may miss subtle changes. The combination of imaging studies with other diagnostic tests provides the most comprehensive assessment.

Treatment Approaches for Brain Infections

The treatment of brain infections depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Early and aggressive treatment is crucial to prevent complications and improve outcomes. Here are the main treatment approaches:

Antiviral Medications

For viral encephalitis, antiviral drugs are the primary treatment. The most commonly used antiviral for herpes simplex encephalitis is acyclovir. Other antivirals may be used depending on the suspected virus.

Antibiotics

Bacterial brain infections, including some cases of encephalitis and brain abscesses, require intensive antibiotic therapy. The choice of antibiotics depends on the suspected or identified bacteria.

Antifungal Medications

Fungal brain infections are treated with antifungal drugs, which may need to be administered for extended periods.

Corticosteroids

In some cases, corticosteroids may be used to reduce brain inflammation and swelling. However, their use is carefully considered as they can potentially worsen certain infections.

Immunotherapy

For autoimmune encephalitis, treatments aimed at modulating the immune system, such as intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) or plasma exchange, may be used.

Surgical Intervention

In the case of brain abscesses, surgical drainage may be necessary. This can be done through a minimally invasive procedure called stereotactic aspiration or, in some cases, through open surgery.

Supportive Care

Management of symptoms and complications is a crucial part of treatment. This may include:

• Anticonvulsant medications to prevent or control seizures
• Pain management
• Measures to reduce intracranial pressure
• Respiratory support if needed

What is the typical duration of treatment for brain infections?

The duration of treatment can vary widely depending on the type and severity of the infection. Antiviral treatment for viral encephalitis typically lasts 2-3 weeks. Antibiotic treatment for bacterial infections may continue for 4-8 weeks or longer. Some patients may require ongoing care and rehabilitation even after the acute phase of treatment.

Potential Complications and Long-Term Effects

Brain infections can lead to various complications and long-term effects, emphasizing the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment. Some potential consequences include:

• Cognitive impairment: Memory problems, difficulty concentrating, or changes in personality
• Neurological deficits: Weakness, paralysis, or sensory disturbances
• Epilepsy: Recurrent seizures that may require long-term anticonvulsant medication
• Vision or hearing problems
• Speech and language difficulties
• Balance and coordination issues
• Fatigue and sleep disturbances
• Mood disorders: Depression or anxiety

Can the brain fully recover from an infection?

The potential for full recovery depends on various factors, including the severity of the infection, the area of the brain affected, and how quickly treatment was initiated. Many patients experience significant improvement over time, especially with appropriate rehabilitation. However, some individuals may have lasting effects that require ongoing management and support.

Prevention Strategies for Brain Infections

While not all brain infections can be prevented, there are several strategies that can reduce the risk:

• Vaccination: Keeping up to date with recommended vaccinations can prevent many infections that potentially lead to encephalitis.
• Proper hygiene: Regular handwashing and avoiding close contact with individuals who have infectious illnesses can help prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria.
• Mosquito protection: Using insect repellent and eliminating standing water around homes can reduce the risk of mosquito-borne infections like West Nile virus.
• Food safety: Proper food handling and cooking can prevent infections caused by certain parasites.
• Protecting against tick bites: Using appropriate clothing and repellents in tick-prone areas can reduce the risk of tick-borne encephalitis.
• Managing chronic conditions: Keeping chronic conditions like HIV or diabetes under control can help maintain a strong immune system.

How effective are vaccines in preventing brain infections?

Vaccines have been highly effective in reducing the incidence of certain types of encephalitis. For example, the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine has dramatically decreased cases of encephalitis associated with these viruses. Similarly, the Japanese encephalitis vaccine has significantly reduced cases in endemic areas. While vaccines cannot prevent all types of brain infections, they remain a crucial tool in reducing overall risk.

Living with the Aftermath: Rehabilitation and Support

Recovery from a brain infection can be a long and challenging process. Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in helping patients regain lost functions and adapt to any persistent changes. A comprehensive rehabilitation program may include:

• Physical therapy to improve strength, balance, and coordination
• Occupational therapy to help with daily living activities
• Speech and language therapy for communication difficulties
• Cognitive rehabilitation to address memory and thinking problems
• Psychological support to manage emotional and behavioral changes

Support from family, friends, and support groups can be invaluable during the recovery process. Many patients find that connecting with others who have experienced similar challenges can provide comfort and practical advice.

What role does neuroplasticity play in recovery from brain infections?

Neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new neural connections and reorganize itself, plays a significant role in recovery from brain infections. This adaptive capability allows undamaged areas of the brain to potentially take over functions previously controlled by damaged regions. Rehabilitation therapies are designed to harness neuroplasticity, encouraging the brain to create new pathways and connections. This process can continue for months or even years after the initial infection, highlighting the importance of ongoing rehabilitation efforts.

Understanding brain infections like encephalitis and brain abscesses is crucial for early recognition and prompt treatment. While these conditions can be severe, advancements in medical care have improved outcomes for many patients. By recognizing the symptoms, understanding the causes, and knowing when to seek medical attention, individuals can play an active role in protecting their brain health. If you or someone you know experiences symptoms suggestive of a brain infection, don’t hesitate to seek immediate medical care. Early intervention can make a significant difference in the course of the illness and the potential for recovery.

Brain abscess – NHS

A brain abscess is a pus-filled swelling in the brain. It usually occurs when bacteria or fungi enter the brain tissue after an infection or severe head injury.

Although the risk of developing a brain abscess is extremely low in England, it is a life-threatening condition and should be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.

Symptoms of a brain abscess

The symptoms of a brain abscess may develop quickly or slowly but can include:

• headache – which is often severe, located in a single section of the head and cannot be relieved with painkillers
• changes in mental state – such as confusion or irritability
• problems with nerve function – such as muscle weakness, slurred speech or paralysis on one side of the body
• a high temperature
• seizures (fits)
• feeling sick
• being sick
• stiff neck
• changes in vision – such as blurring, greying of vision or double vision (due to the abscess putting pressure on the optic nerve)

When to get medical advice

Any symptoms that suggest a problem with the brain and nervous system should be treated as a medical emergency. These include:

• slurred speech
• muscle weakness or paralysis
• seizures occurring in a person with no previous history of seizures

If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms, phone 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance.

Any symptoms that suggest a worsening infection, such as a high temperature or being sick, should be reported to your GP immediately.

If your GP is not available, contact your local out-of-hours service or call NHS 111.

Causes of a brain abscess

There are 3 main ways a brain abscess can develop. These are:

• an infection in another part of the skull – such as an ear infection, sinusitis or dental abscess, which can spread directly into the brain
• an infection in another part of the body – for example, the infection that causes pneumonia spreading into the brain via the blood
• trauma, such as a head injury – that cracks open the skull, allowing bacteria or fungi to enter the brain

However, in some cases, the source of the infection remains unknown.

Read more about the causes of a brain abscess.

Diagnosing a brain abscess

If a brain abscess is suspected, an initial assessment will be made based on your symptoms, medical history and whether you’ve had a recent infection or a weakened immune system.

Blood tests can also be carried out to check for an infection.

If you’re referred to hospital for further tests, you may have either:

• a CT scan – a series of X-rays are used to produce a detailed image of the inside of your body
• an MRI scan – which uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce a detailed image of the inside of your body.

If an abscess is found, a procedure known as CT-guided aspiration may be used to remove a sample of pus for testing. This involves using a CT scan to guide a needle to the site of the abscess.

Treating a brain abscess

A brain abscess is regarded as a medical emergency. Swelling caused by the abscess can disrupt the blood and oxygen supply to the brain. There’s also a risk of the abscess bursting (rupturing).

If left untreated, a brain abscess can cause permanent brain damage and could be fatal.

A brain abscess is usually treated using a combination of:

• medicines – either antibiotics or antifungals
• surgery – either draining the pus through a hole in the skull (simple aspiration) or opening the skull and removing the abscess entirely (craniotomy)

Treatment with antibiotics often begins before a diagnosis is confirmed, to reduce the risk of complications.

Read more about treating a brain abscess.

Complications of a brain abscess

Complications of a brain abscess can include:

• a reoccurring abscess – seek immediate medical advice if you think there’s even a small chance your abscess has reoccurred; this is more common in people with a weakened immune system or cyanotic heart disease
• brain damage – mild to moderate brain damage often improves with time but severe brain damage is likely to be permanent; brain damage is more of a risk if diagnosis and treatment are delayed
• epilepsy – where a person has repeated seizures (fits)
• meningitis – a life-threatening infection of the protective membranes around the brain, which requires urgent treatment; this is more common in children

Page last reviewed: 18 October 2022
Next review due: 18 October 2025

Encephalitis | Johns Hopkins Medicine

Encephalitis is a serious condition affecting the brain that requires prompt treatment to lower the risk of lasting complications or death.

What is encephalitis?

Encephalitis is inflammation of the active tissues of the brain caused by an infection or an autoimmune response. The inflammation causes the brain to swell, which can lead to headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, mental confusion and seizures.

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 Causes and Types

Encephalitis can be caused by infections or autoimmune conditions where the body’s own immune responses attack the brain. Even with extensive testing, the specific cause of encephalitis remains unknown in about 30%–40% of cases.

Cases of encephalitis are likely to continue to rise as more and more autoimmune causes are recognized. Emerging infections such as Zika, chikungunya and Powassan viruses can also contribute to this trend.

Infectious Encephalitis

Infectious encephalitis is typically caused by a viral infection. Vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox have reduced the rate of encephalitis from these diseases, but other viruses can cause encephalitis. The most common causes of viral encephalitis are herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, varicella zoster virus and enteroviruses, which cause gastrointestinal illness.

Encephalitis can also result from certain viruses carried by mosquitoes, ticks and other insects or animals such as:

• West Nile virus
• Japanese encephalitis virus
• La Crosse virus
• St. Louis virus
• Equine viruses
• Powassan virus
• Zika
• Chikungunya

Other infectious microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and parasites can also cause encephalitis, though rarely.

Autoimmune Encephalitis

Autoimmune encephalitis occurs when a person’s own antibodies or immune cells attack the brain. Antibodies may target specific proteins or receptors in the brain, which determine the type of autoimmune encephalitis:

• In anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis, the immune system targets the NMDA receptors in the brain.
• In VGKC-complex antibody encephalitis, the immune system targets the VGKC brain protein complex that includes subtypes LGI-1 and CASPR2.
• GABA-A and GABA-B receptors may also be targeted.

While the causes of autoimmune encephalitis are not well understood, it can sometimes result from a tumor (benign or cancerous). Some types of autoimmune encephalitis such as acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) are typically triggered by an infection (post-infectious encephalitis).

Encephalitis Symptoms

Acute encephalitis shows up with an onset of symptoms that get worse over the course of days to weeks. Infectious encephalitis often starts with flu-like symptoms or headache and evolves to altered mental status and problems with thinking, remembering and reasoning. Autoimmune encephalitis typically progresses over the course of weeks.

Symptoms of encephalitis vary according to the area of the brain affected and, in autoimmune encephalitis, depending on the associated antibody.

Physical Symptoms

• Fever
• Seizures
• Headache
• Movement disorders
• Sensitivity to light
• Sensitivity to sound
• Neck stiffness
• Loss of consciousness

In severe cases, encephalitis symptoms may include:

• Weakness or partial paralysis in the arms and legs
• Double vision
• Impairment of speech or hearing
• Coma

Cognitive Symptoms

• Excessive sleepiness
• Confusion and disorientation
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Psychosis
• Hallucinations
• Memory loss
• Other behavioral changes
• Cognitive impairment

Symptoms Due to Specific Types of Encephalitis

Encephalitis caused by certain infections or autoimmune processes can show up with characteristic symptoms.

• A sensation of déjà vu (the feeling that one is reliving something already experienced) is a common finding in early stages of herpes simplex virus encephalitis.
• A type of autoimmune encephalitis affecting NMDA receptors can start with a flu-like illness. It can then lead to behavioral changes and unusual movement patterns affecting the mouth and face, cognitive decline and impaired function of the autonomic nervous system.
• Another type of autoimmune encephalitis (LGI1) is associated with seizures or other abnormal movement of the face or arm.

The symptoms of encephalitis may resemble other problems or medical conditions. Always consult your health care provider for a diagnosis.

Encephalitis Diagnosis

You may need to be evaluated for encephalitis if you are experiencing a combination of symptoms such as fever, altered state of awareness, seizures or changes in behavior or movement. It is very important to identify encephalitis promptly to decrease the risk of death or lasting complications.

To diagnose encephalitis, your healthcare provider might order tests, perform a medical exam and discuss your medical history. The doctor may ask about your vaccinations, recent colds and other respiratory illnesses or gastrointestinal illness. He or she will want to know if you have recently had a tick bite, have been around pets or other animals, or have traveled to certain locations.

Tests for encephalitis can include:

• Neuroimaging, such as a brain MRI or CT scan
• A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to check for signs of infection in the brain or spinal cord
• Electroencephalogram (EEG) to look for seizures or specific patterns of electrical activity in the brain
• Blood tests or urine and stool tests to identify organisms or antibodies responsible for an infection

Additional tests may include:

• A sputum culture tests the material that is coughed up from the lungs to see if certain infections are present.
• In rare cases, a biopsy of affected brain tissue may be performed to allow for examination under a microscope.
• Intracranial pressure monitoring (ICP) measures the pressure inside the skull to monitor the brain swelling.

Encephalitis Treatment

The key to surviving encephalitis is early detection and effective treatment of the underlying cause. A team of specialists working together is an important factor in optimal care.

Encephalitis patients might require a stay in the ICU so that health care providers can watch for seizures, brain swelling, respiratory failure or heart rhythm changes.

Encephalitis treatment depends on the underlying cause and symptoms, and may include:

• Antiviral medications to fight viral infections affecting the brain.
• Antibiotics to address underlying bacterial infections causing encephalitis.
• Immunotherapy, such as steroids, intravenous antibodies (IVIg) or plasma exchange, to address certain types of autoimmune encephalitis.
• Medications or other therapies to control seizures.
• A breathing tube, urinary catheter, or feeding tube may be necessary if the person’s encephalitis has caused loss of consciousness.

Patients with encephalitis who have seizures that don’t respond well to anti-seizure medications could benefit from a ketogenic diet, which is high in fat and low in carbohydrates. It has been effective in reducing seizures in drug-resistant epilepsy in children and adults, as well as in patients with autoimmune encephalitis such as anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis.

Encephalitis Prognosis

Encephalitis is very serious. Both the acute stage and the aftermath can be overwhelming for patients and their families.

During the encephalitis attack, the inflamed brain tissue can suffer damage, which varies greatly between patients. In general, the brain doesn’t bounce back as quickly as other body parts such as bone, skin and muscles, but it does have some capacity to recover.

Mild cases of encephalitis are usually short and result in a full recovery. However, despite improvements in diagnosis and treatment, encephalitis still leads to death in about 10% of patients.

Survivors of severe cases of encephalitis can be left with permanent problems such as fatigue, irritability, impaired concentration, seizures, hearing loss, memory loss and blindness.

The recovery process may take months to even years. Intensive rehabilitation, involving specialists in neurology, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, nutrition and neuropsychology, can help patients make the best possible recovery.

Can encephalitis be prevented?

These measures can help prevent certain types of infectious encephalitis:

• Keep your vaccinations up to date, especially when traveling to areas known to have encephalitis-causing viruses.
• Use proper hygiene and hand-washing to help prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria.
• Avoid mosquito and tick exposure.

If you are exposed to someone with bacterial encephalitis, contact your doctor. You may be offered a course of antibiotics to prevent you from getting the disease.

Infections of the brain | Neurology

All infections are dangerous to varying degrees, and even more so – neuroinfections. The most dangerous of neuroinfections are those that affect the brain. There can be no “non-serious” diseases here. Each pathogen that can overcome the blood-brain barrier poses a huge danger to human health and life.

Types of brain infections

The whole variety of neuroinfections affecting the brain can be divided into five groups:

• bacterial;
• parasitic;
• viral;
• prion;
• fungal.

Bacterial infections

A huge number of pathogens related to bacterial infections can affect the brain.
Diseases such as meningitis, encephalitis or brain abscess may well cause such “ordinary” pathogens as pneumococcus, staphylococcus, enterobacteria. But this can happen only when:

• damage to the bones of the skull, with a violation of the integrity of the meninges;
• the introduction of pathogens during a neurosurgical operation;
• the presence of a purulent focus in the body and weakened immunity.

However, the situation is different with other pathogens.

Meningococcal infection is a traditional neuroinfection that affects the brain. The peak incidence is observed in the autumn-winter period, when the immune system is reduced due to frequent hypothermia and lack of vitamins.

If the immune system is normal, then you will be limited to ordinary nasopharyngitis, otherwise, the likelihood of getting meningitis or meningoencephalitis increases.

Symptoms of meningococcal infection

• fever,
• increase in body temperature up to 39-40 ° C.
• chills,
• headache
• weakness
• neck muscle tension
• nausea,
• vomiting,

specific symptoms

• Rashes of red-violet color protruding above the surface of the skin, the elements of which resemble a star in shape
• The disease begins very acutely (often you can specify a specific time (hour) when a person fell ill)
• Within 24 hours, while a person is conscious, treatment must begin, otherwise he may fall into a coma.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis , among other things, can also affect the brain.
Children, the elderly, and people with immunodeficiency are more likely to get sick.

Symptoms of the onset of the disease are not pronounced, more often it is general weakness, malaise, lack of appetite, headache and irritability, body temperature is subfebrile in nature (the temperature rises for a long time within 37.1 – 38 ° C.). Subsequently, “usual” meningeal symptoms join.

After neurological disorders join – paresis and paralysis of the facial nerve, oculomotor muscles, dizziness. Against the background of neurological disorders, mental disorders occur.

Neurosyphilis, is now almost never found, but before the discovery of penicillin, it was the basis of the work of neurologists. There are several types of neurosyphilis:

1. Asymptomatic, proceeds without any special signs, the disease can be detected only by analysis.
2. Meningitis – often appears during the first year of the disease, manifested by disorders of the cranial nerves and increased intracranial pressure (ICP).
3. Cerebrovascular – occurs mainly in the 2-5th year of the disease and can lead to a stroke or transform into tabes dorsalis or progressive paralysis.
4. Progressive paralysis is a disease that is also called “paralysis of the lunatics.” It occurs 15-20 years after infection and first manifests itself with mental symptoms, then muscle paralysis occurs and progresses, which ultimately leads to death.
5. Congenital, which, strictly speaking, affects the entire body and is characterized by multiple defects in the development of the child.
6. Gumma of the brain – manifests itself as a volumetric formation. Symptoms include an increase in ICP and focal symptoms, depending on the localization of the gum.

An unpleasant feature of the disease is its difficult diagnosis.

Viral and prion infections

There are a huge number of viruses that cause acute encephalitis (mosquito, tick-borne, epidemic), in general, they differ in carriers and geography of distribution.

Focal symptoms occur against the background of “general infectious manifestations”, these are:

• paresis
• paralysis of the respiratory muscles
• paralysis of limbs,
• paralysis of the facial muscles, etc.

Rabies and slow infections can be a huge danger, and therefore, special attention is paid to them.

Rabies.
Almost all mammals can suffer from rabies. The source of infection is usually dogs, wolves, foxes, and it is through the bite of infected animals that this dangerous infection is transmitted to humans.
Symptoms:

• hydro and aerophobia
• convulsions
• bouts of aggressive behavior.

Emergency vaccination after a bite is the only way to recover, so waiting for the first symptoms of the disease to develop is prohibited, since this can only mean that the person can no longer be saved.

Slow infections – viral neuroinfections that have the ability to remain asymptomatically in the human nervous tissue for a long time, with the subsequent development of the disease.

Scientists have deduced four main features that distinguish slow infections:

• unusually long (months and years) incubation period;
• slowly progressive nature of the course;
• unusual damage to organs and tissues;
• inevitability of death.

The causative agents of the virus are rubella and measles. For reasons that are not completely clear, these viruses can remain in brain cells after an illness and cause disease after 4 or more years. Both viruses cause panencephalitis with similar symptoms:

personality change with dementia

Gradual paralysis of all striated muscles.

Unfortunately, even with treatment, the consequences of these neuroinfections are always the same – death.

Prions
Prions – proteinaceous infectious (particles).
Prions are defined as “a small protein infectious particle that is resistant to inactivating effects that modify nucleic acids”, in other words, prions are ordinary body proteins that, for some reason (which are still unknown), begin to behave “incorrectly”.

There are four types of prion neuroinfections, and only one of them has a clear mechanism of transmission. In some tribes of Papua New Guinea, cases of kuru-kuru have often been noted due to the previously common ritual cannibalism – eating the brains of relatives. Prions cause spongiform encephalopathy, that is, the brain turns into a kind of sponge.

Parasitic infections

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease characterized by the possibility of intrauterine infection, damage to the nervous system, eyes, skeletal muscles and heart muscles, as well as an increase in lymph nodes, liver and spleen.

For the causative agent of this disease, a person is an intermediate host, and the main one is cats. In a normal state of immunity, the disease does not manifest itself in any way, but if a person suffers from immunodeficiency, then there may be such variants of the disease:

• encephalopathy, with the development of delirium, confusion up to coma;
• meningoencephalitis, with all its classic manifestations;
• toxoplasma abscess of the brain, which is manifested by general infectious symptoms, focal disorders, depending on the location, convulsions, impaired consciousness.

The most severe consequences of toxoplasmosis are in pregnant women, as it causes underdevelopment of the fetal brain.

Diagnostics

In order to diagnose a neuroinfection, including the brain, a set of measures is used:

• general analysis of blood and urine;
• blood chemistry;
• blood test for antibodies to viral, bacterial and other agents;
• visualization methods – MRI;

Treatment

Despite the difference in pathogens, some aspects of treatment are the same in all cases.

Patients must be prescribed bed rest (for acute infections), anti-inflammatory drugs, detoxification therapy.

When it is a subacute or chronic process, patients are also given “vascular” drugs that promote better blood supply to the brain, nootropic, anti-inflammatory drugs.

Precautions
Do not eat raw or undercooked meat, wash hands thoroughly after contact with cats.

Treatment of inflammation of the brain or spinal cord (meningitis, encephalitis, myelitis)

Treatment of inflammation of the brain or spinal cord (meningitis, encephalitis, myelitis)

Myelitis is a general term for diseases and any inflammatory processes affecting the human spinal cord. Encephalitis is a group of diseases characterized by inflammation of the brain. In turn, meningitis is an infectious disease that affects the membranes of both the spinal cord and the brain.

Causes of inflammation

Encephalitis is caused by neurotropic viruses. The disease can also occur due to complications of rubella, smallpox and measles, and infection can also occur through ticks or mosquitoes. Meningitis is caused mainly by three types of bacteria – pneumococci, meningococci and Haemophilus influenzae. Thus, the cause of inflammation of the spinal cord or brain one way or another are infections of a viral, fungal or bacterial nature, or parasites.

Symptoms

The clinical picture is determined by the general extent and severity of the lesion. In most cases, patients experience the following symptoms:

• headache
• rise in body temperature
• nausea
• sensitivity to light
• general weakness
• in extreme manifestations, paralysis, epileptic seizures, impaired consciousness, etc. are possible.

Diagnosis

To diagnose and start treatment of inflammation of the spinal cord or brain, it is necessary to be examined by a neurologist. In addition to the examination, additional studies are carried out, including:

• computed tomography of the spinal cord and/or brain
• magnetic resonance imaging
• lumbar puncture for cerebrospinal fluid analysis, etc.

Treatment of inflammation of the brain or spinal cord

In such diseases, the doctors of the Viva Clinic prescribe mainly drug therapy.