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Posted on Jun 29, 2022
Encephalitis is a brain inflammation that occurs due to an infection such as a virus or bacteria, medication or immune system malfunction. Encephalitis is a rare, often serious condition that requires timely care.
Encephalitis causes physical symptoms like fever, headaches and neck pain. It can also affect brain (cognitive) functioning, leading to confusion and behavior changes. In some cases, cognitive encephalitis symptoms linger long after physical symptoms go away.
Both conditions are uncommon but severe.
Some important differences are that:
Encephalitis occurs in the brain.
Meningitis affects the meninges. This delicate layer of tissue protects the brain and spinal cord.
The type of encephalitis you experience depends on the cause. And there are many causes, including:
Viruses: Infections from herpes, enteroviruses, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), West Nile and tick-borne viruses lead to viral encephalitis. This is the most common cause.
Problem with the immune system: The immune system can mistakenly attack the brain, causing autoimmune encephalitis.
Bacteria and parasites: On rare occasions, these germs can cause bacterial encephalitis.
You’ll likely experience physical and neurologic symptoms.
Physical symptoms may include:
Healthcare providers take many steps to diagnose brain infections.
Your care may include:
The brain infection treatments you need depend on the type of encephalitis and how severe it is.
You may need: