Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis): symptoms, medications, etc. • hello healthy

Definition of inflammation of the brain

Encephalitis or inflammation of the brain is a condition characterized by inflammation of the brain tissue due to a viral infection. Although most cases of brain inflammation (encephalitis) are caused by viruses, bacteria and fungi can also be other causes.

This encephalitis disease can develop very seriously when it attacks the body. It is not impossible, encephalitis can cause a person to experience personality changes, body weakness, and even seizures.

Encephalitis is classified as a rare disease that is risky life-threatening. However, this risk is relatively rare because many people with encephalitis later recover completely. Encephalitis recovery is generally determined by a number of factors.

Starting from the patient's age, the type of virus that attacks, to the severity of the disease. So, don't delay to get it checked out by a doctor immediately if you experience symptoms that indicate inflammation of the brain.

Because this disease can develop quickly and requires immediate treatment. In more serious cases, encephalitis can cause problems with speech, memory, and death.

There are 2 types of inflammation of the brain, namely primary and secondary. Primary brain inflammation is the appearance of inflammation of the brain caused by direct viral infection in the brain and spinal cord.

While secondary inflammation of the brain is inflammation of the brain that appears in various other parts of the body, and then spreads to the brain.

How common is inflammation of the brain?

Unlike some other diseases, inflammation of the brain is not a common disease. That is, not everyone can easily experience this disease.

Children, the elderly, and people with weak immune systems are the groups most at risk of developing brain inflammation.

However, don't worry. You can avoid the possibility of developing this disease by reducing the risk factors you have. Consult your doctor for more information.

Inflammation of the brain signs & symptoms

Inflammatory brain disease often produces signs and symptoms similar to those of a minor flu, such as fever and headache. In fact, sometimes, the symptoms can resemble flu but in a more severe degree.

Not infrequently, this disease can also cause people to have difficulty thinking, experience seizures, or have problems with the body's sensory system.

In more detail, here are the various symptoms of inflammation of the brain which can range from mild to severe:

Symptoms of mild flu-like inflammation of the brain include:

• Fever.
• Headache.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• The neck feels stiff.
• Pain in muscles or joints.
• Severe fatigue.

Symptoms of more severe inflammation of the brain include:

• The fever is higher, it can reach temperatures above 39 degrees Celsius.
• Confusion.
• Experiencing hallucinations.
• Experiencing convulsions.
• Changes in body motor movements that become slower.
• Easy to get angry.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia).
• Having problems with speaking and listening skills.
• Loss of feeling or paralysis in the face and body.
• Loss of taste.
• Mental changes, such as confusion, drowsiness, disorientation.

Symptoms of inflammation of the brain in infants and children include:

Inflammation of the brain that occurs in infants and children tends to be more difficult to detect than in adults. That is why parents should be more vigilant and not underestimate if one or more suspicious signs and symptoms appear.

Do not delay to visit the doctor immediately, if one or more of the following signs and symptoms appear on your baby:

• Nausea and vomiting.
• Crying more often than usual.
• Crying is more difficult to stop, even more intense when entertained
• Body rigidity.
• A soft area appears on the upper center of the head (fontanel).
• Decreased appetite.
• Irritable and crying easily.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor immediately.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Causes of inflammation of the brain

The cause of inflammation of the brain is sometimes not known for sure. First, inflammation of the brain can be caused by a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection, which directly attacks the brain. Or second, inflammation of the brain can also result from an incorrect immune system response.

Normally, the immune system should play a role in fighting off harmful foreign substances that try to enter the body.

In this case, however, the immune system attacks healthy brain tissue. To better understand, there are two types of inflammation of the brain with different causes, including:

Causes of primary brain inflammation

Primary encephalitis occurs when a virus or other disease-causing agent directly infects brain tissue. This infection can be centered in one area only, or spread to other parts of the brain.

Sometimes, primary encephalitis can be caused by reactivation of certain strains of the virus from a previous illness. This type of encephalitis usually affects the temporal lobe, the part of the brain that regulates memory and speech functions.

In addition, this disease can also affect the frontal lobe area which is responsible for regulating emotions and behavior. The types of viruses that cause primary brain inflammation can be divided into 3 main groups, namely:

1. Common viruses

The most common viruses that cause encephalitis are Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) and Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). Encephalitis caused by the herpes virus is classified as dangerous. In fact, it can cause severe brain damage to fatal consequences.

In addition, there are many other types of viruses that can cause encephalitis. For example the mumps virus, HIV, and cytomegalovirus.

2. Viruses in childhood

Vaccines can help prevent childhood viruses that are at risk of causing encephalitis. That is why viruses in childhood are rarely found to cause encephalitis if they have been given the vaccine since childhood.

Some of the childhood viruses that can cause encephalitis include chickenpox, measles, and rubella.

3. Arbovirus

Arbovirus is a type of virus carried by mosquitoes, ticks and other insects. However, this type of virus is more common in America, Africa and the Middle East.

Causes of secondary brain inflammation

Unlike primary inflammation of the brain which directly attacks brain tissue, secondary inflammation of the brain is different. This type of encephalitis is the result of a response from the immune system that incorrectly detects an infection in the body.

Instead of attacking the cells that cause infection, this immune system attacks healthy cells in the brain. In addition, here are other things that can trigger or worsen your encephalitis:

• Previous history of infection. Inflammation can come back after the immune system reacts to the previous infection.
• Autoimmune. When the immune system reacts to other causes such as tumors, it can cause inflammation.
• Chronic conditions, such as HIV, can gradually cause inflammation.

Inflammation of the brain risk factors

There are many risk factors for inflammation of the brain, namely:

1. Age

Young children and the elderly are more prone to inflammation of the brain. This condition also affects certain groups of people between the ages of 20-40 years.

2. Weak immune system

People living with HIV / AIDS, or taking drugs that risk a weakening of the immune system, may experience a decreased immune system. As a result, this condition then increases the risk of inflammation of the brain.

3. Geographical area

Living in an area with a population of mosquitoes or virus-carrying ticks can increase your risk of developing brain inflammation.

Inflammatory complications of the brain

The complications arising from encephalitis can vary, depending on various factors, such as:

• Age.
• Cause of infection.
• The severity of the disease.
• Time from the time the disease appeared to finally getting treatment.

People with relatively mild encephalitis usually get better within a few weeks of treatment. In fact, without experiencing long-term complications. However, complications can progress further to cause conditions such as:

• Severe fatigue.
• Muscle weakness or lack of muscle coordination.
• Personality changes.
• Memory disorders (memory).
• Paralysis.
• Hearing or vision problems.
• Speech impairment.

These complications persist indefinitely. Some last for only a few months, or even permanently alias forever.

On a more serious level, inflammation can injure the brain, possibly resulting in coma or death.

Diagnosis & Treatment of brain tumors

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is inflammation of the brain diagnosed?

First of all, usually the doctor will ask about medical history and observe the various symptoms that appear. After that, other diagnoses can be made which include:

1. Brain imaging studies

According to John Hopkins Medicine, doctors may recommend imaging tests such as CT (computerized tomography) scan or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan.

The goal is to detect inflammation in the brain, while helping doctors to treat other conditions if any. For example, a stroke or brain tumor.

In addition, knowing which part of the brain is experiencing inflammation can also help determine the type of virus that is causing it.

2.Spinal fluid analysis (lumbar puncture)

This examination procedure is aimed at seeing an increase in white blood cells, proteins, bacteria, and viruses. During this procedure, the doctor will insert a needle into the lower back to collect fluid samples from the spine.

This fluid is cerebrospinal, which is the fluid whose job is to protect parts of the brain and spinal cord.

3.The electroencephalogram (EEG)

EEG or electroencephalogram is an examination involving the use of electrodes that are placed directly on the scalp. This examination aims to record the electrical activity that occurs in the brain.

The EEG procedure cannot detect the type of virus that causes encephalitis. However, this examination can at least help the doctor to find out, where the source of infection is causing the symptoms you are experiencing.

4. Other laboratory tests

Blood and urine tests can be another option to help identify the virus that causes inflammation of the brain. This laboratory test is rarely done alone. In order for optimal results, the examination is usually combined with other test processes.

5. Brain biopsy

Compared with some of the previous screening options, the brain biopsy procedure is performed the least often. Not without reason, because this procedure has a high risk of complications.

The decision to do a brain biopsy is usually made only if the doctor is unable to determine what is actually causing the brain disorder.

In addition, this examination must inevitably be carried out when the symptoms worsen, and the treatment does not improve.

How to treat inflammation of the brain?

Inflammation treatment aims to control the infection and long-term complications from fever. Doctors usually recommend people with encephalitis to get plenty of rest time and drink lots of fluids.

But besides that, treatment to relieve symptoms can be done in several ways, such as:

1. Take drugs

Anti-inflammatory or anti-viral drugs can be used to relieve mild symptoms, such as fever or headache. Medicines can also prevent the herpes virus from developing in the body.

Several types of antiviral drugs that can be taken are acyclovir (Zovirax), ganciclovir (Cytovene), and foscarnet (Foscavir). In some cases, corticosteroid drugs can also be used to relieve brain swelling.

2. Supporting care

Hospitalized patients with severe encephalitis usually require some supportive care, including:

• Respiratory apparatus, which is accompanied by periodic monitoring of cardiac and respiratory function.
• Infusion or intravenous fluids, to ensure that the body is getting optimal fluid intake.
• Anti-inflammatory (inflammatory) drugs, such as corticosteroids, to reduce swelling of the brain skull.
• Anticonvulsant drugs, such as phenytoin (Dilantin), to help stop or prevent seizures.

3. Supportive or follow-up therapy

If the encephalitis condition has reached the stage of developing complications, some additional therapy may be needed.

• Physical therapy, to help improve strength, flexibility, balance, and motor coordination of the body.
• Occupational therapy, to support skills in daily activities.
• Speech therapy, to hone muscle coordination function so that speaking ability can return to optimal.
• Psychotherapy, to refine the ability to behave in order to cope with personality changes.

Home remedies for brain tumors

Here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with encephalitis:

• Keep your body clean. For example, by washing hands regularly, especially before and after eating and using the toilet.
• Do not share personal equipment with others.
• Make sure you and your family always get vaccines on schedule.
• Protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes and viral diseases. For example, by wearing trousers, mosquito repellents, and avoiding being outside the house at dusk until dawn.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.