Such a disease as encephalitis got its name from the Greek word. It means inflammatory diseases of the brain. It has dire consequences. Symptoms of encephalitis in adults manifest depending on the severity of inflammation.
Patients with this diagnosis usually feel very bad, they need intensive treatment.
The main types of disease and the viruses that cause it
There are two types of disease:
- Primary. Here, the causative agent is the so-called neurotrophic viruses.
- Secondary. We are talking about inflammation of the brain, which develops as a complication of another - the underlying disease.
Among the most common causes of the development of the latter are the following:
- Tick-borne encephalitis.
- Herpes simplex virus of the second type (HSV-2).
- Rabies caused by Las fever.
- Polio.
- Herpes virus.
- Subacute sclerosing measles panencephalitis.
Children's viruses that can cause brain inflammation:
- Chickenpox (very rare).
- Measles.
- Rubella.
Other common viruses that cause the disease:
- Mumps.
- Epstein-Barr virus.
- AIDS.
- HIV
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV).
Some pathogens and symptoms of encephalitis in adults are discussed below.
Tick-borne encephalitis
A tick bite contributes to inflammation of the meninges and the brain itself. The causative agent of the disease is transmitted to people through a bite. In half of individuals infected with the virus, the disease proceeds completely imperceptibly and without consequences. CE is transmitted, as a rule, very quickly. The insect must be removed immediately with tweezers or other improvised means.
From one person to another, a viral infection is not transmitted. The incubation period is from three days to several weeks.
Signs of encephalitis after a bite:
- fever;
- headache;
- pain in the limbs.
In many cases, CE leads to meningitis, with it the following symptoms appear:
- severe headache and fever ;
- confusion of consciousness;
- stiff neck;
- loss of consciousness.
Relatively rarely, tick-borne encephalitis leads to death, only in cases where a person did not turn in time for help or has weak immunity. In 1-2% of all cases, this virus affects the central nervous system. In general, from 10 to 20% of patients suffer from severe clinical and mental manifestations. Among them are weakness and depression.
Other viruses causing the disease
The infection is caused by the pathogen Rickettsia, it is a carrier of lice.
Antifungal viruses infect in most cases individuals with an immune deficiency. The most famous pathogens of the disease are Candida albacans, Cryptococcus neoformans, Aspergillus fumigatus. These antifungal viruses form blood clots in the brain tissue, abscesses. They contribute to the occurrence of a heart attack and the formation of pus.
Very dangerous is rabies caused by Las fever. Symptoms of encephalitis in adults appear after 3-8 weeks.
Poliomyelitis is also associated with damage to the brain, the main causative agent is the poliomyelitis virus.
Herpetic encephalitis is the result of a herpes simplex infection of the 1st and 2nd type. In childhood, HSV-2 is more common.
Encephalitis in AIDS and HIV can also affect brain tissue. The disease can occur subacute or go into meningitis.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is most often found in newborns and people with weak immunity.
Subacute sclerosing measles panencephalitis occurs in children and adolescents. This infection leads to death after a few months. Perhaps a person with this virus will live up to two years, but such cases are quite rare.
Group of viruses transmitted by arthropods
Arboviruses are carried by insects. The type of infection that is transmitted depends on the type of arthropod.
- California encephalitis (also called La Crosse) is transmitted through mosquito bites and mainly affects children. It causes several symptoms in adults, such as headache, nausea and fever.
- Persons living in rural Western countries often have St. Louis encephalitis. It is accompanied by many signs. Among them are vomiting, headache and fever, meningeal symptoms, pain in muscle fibers. This virus can cause paresis of the limbs. What is it, your doctor will tell you in more detail. But they are characterized by a decrease in strength in the muscles, their weakness.
- West Nile virus is most commonly found in Africa and the Middle East. However, it can be picked up in the United States. It causes flu-like symptoms. May result in death among the elderly and individuals with weakened immune systems.
- Colorado encephalitis (also called Colorado tick-borne fever). Most people with this virus recover quickly.
- Eastern encephalitis appears due to mosquito bites. It affects people and horses. Of all cases, 33% were fatal.
- Kiazanur is a forest disease transmitted through tick bites. Hunters, tourists and farmers are at greater risk of acquiring the disease.
Disease factors
The highest risk groups include:
- people of advanced age;
- small children of the first year of life;
- people with weakened immune systems.
You may also have a higher risk of getting encephalitis if you live in a region where ticks and mosquitoes are common.
More likely to get encephalitis from an insect bite in summer and autumn.
Typical signs of pathology
Although the disease has different origins, in many cases the symptoms of encephalitis in adults are the same. More mild cases, especially with viral infections, are manifested by the following symptoms:
- headache of varying intensity;
- photophobia;
- fever;
- fatigue;
- nausea.
Serious infections requiring inpatient treatment have the following symptoms:
- severe headaches, migraine is possible;
- nausea and fever;
- disorder and confusion ;
- severe muscle weakness;
- incomprehensible speech;
- loss of consciousness.
Acute manifestations of the disease
In addition to the main symptoms, in very severe cases there is sensitivity to light, mood swings, disorientation, hallucinations, convulsions, coma, irritability, drowsiness, unconsciousness, paresis of limbs. What it is? Paralysis is manifested either by slow movements and weakness in the muscles, or a complete loss of active movements.
If the newborn or child under one year of age has the following symptoms, call a doctor immediately:
- vomiting
- fontanel swelling;
- constant crying;
- poor appetite;
- stiffness
- fever.
Diagnosis of the disease
Since the symptoms of encephalitis in adults are quite typical, the doctor, as a rule, already after their description suspects the presence of this disease and identifies the patient in the clinic.
They can then perform the following tests if encephalitis is suspected:
- Spinal puncture.
- Brain scan using CT or MRI.
- Electroencephalograph (EEG).
- Brain biopsy.
In the clinic, the patient passes all the necessary tests, including blood for encephalitis. This is necessary in order to exclude other diseases. A blood test will show the first signs of inflammatory processes and protective reactions in the body. This is evidenced by an increased number of white blood cells in the blood.
The study of spinal puncture gives more accurate information about the nature of encephalitis.
Using magnetic resonance or computed tomography, the attending physician can exclude brain tumors and cerebral hemorrhages. In addition, edema can be detected if present.
Analysis of tick-borne encephalitis, if there is a disease, will show an increase in ESR, moderate leukocytosis, an increase in antibody titer, and most importantly, an existing bite.
Despite the rapid detection of the disease and treatment, in part it all ends in tragic consequences. In some types of bacterial encephalitis, mortality is 50%. In addition, serious consequences are possible.
The main methods of therapy
The treatment of inflammation of the brain directly depends on what pathogen caused the disease. In bacterial encephalitis, antibiotics are used to prevent the spread of bacteria and their destruction. Against fungal viruses, the so-called antimycotics are used (Itraconazole, Fluconazole, Ketaconazole, Amphotericin, Nystatin). For many species, there is no bactericidal agent.
In the course of combating the causes of the disease called encephalitis, the symptoms (treatment in this case should be most effective) will go away simultaneously with the virus that caused it. Pain, fever gradually stop, blood circulation stabilizes.
Treatment is carried out in a hospital, because paralysis, cramps and other symptoms must be responded quickly, and an ambulance, as a rule, cannot always arrive on time. Often requires intensive medical care and a few weeks of immobility.
The sooner a diagnosis is made, the sooner treatment will begin and, possibly, recovery will follow.
Antiviral medications can help treat herpes encephalitis. But they are ineffective in combating other causes and viruses of the disease. Instead, therapy is often needed to alleviate the manifestations of the disease. These procedures may include rest and reception;
- anticonvulsants;
- painkillers;
- corticosteroids (to reduce brain inflammation);
- antipyretic;
- sedatives (for those with mental disorders);
- injection.
If cerebral edema, paresis and convulsive manifestations are observed, the patient must be hospitalized without fail.
Complications of the disease
Most patients diagnosed with encephalitis have serious consequences:
- poor memory or its loss;
- mental changes in personality;
- epileptic seizures;
- chronic fatigue;
- physical impotence;
- disability;
- lack of muscle coordination;
- vision problems;
- hearing impairment;
- coma;
- labored breathing;
- death.
Complications often develop in certain groups, such as:
- aged people;
- patients who have coma symptoms;
- patients who did not receive timely treatment.
Forecasting
The prognosis depends on the nature and severity of encephalitis. Some patients do not experience any serious disorders, but in severe forms of the disease, difficulties may remain in the form of sleep problems, concentration of attention, coordination of movements, dementia, various paralyzes, etc.
Your prognosis will depend on the severity of the inflammation. In mild cases, the inflammatory process is likely to disappear in a few days. However, in severe cases, recovery may take several weeks or months.
Depending on the type and severity of the disease, some patients may require additional treatment, including:
- physiotherapy (necessary to increase strength, coordination, balance and flexibility);
- occupational therapy;
- speech therapy (needed to help learn how to control the muscles necessary for speech);
- psychotherapy (help with coping strategies, mood disorders or personality changes).
Disease prevention
Encephalitis can not always be prevented, but you can reduce the risk of the disease by getting vaccinated on time. You must ensure that your children receive appropriate vaccinations as well.
Active immunization of the population through vaccination provides good protection. It is recommended especially for people staying in areas in high-risk areas (for example, lumberjacks).
Vaccination is recommended every 10 years. If you don’t have one, ask your GP when and where they can do it.
It is important to use a mosquito repellent. In places where ticks and mosquitoes can be found, wear long-sleeved clothing and trousers.