Encephalitis
Definition
Encephalitis is irritation and swelling (inflammation) of the brain, usually due to infections.
See also: Meningitis
Symptoms
When the virus enters the bloodstream, it may cause inflammation of brain tissue and surrounding membranes. White blood cells invade the brain tissue as they try to fight off the infection. The brain tissue swells (cerebral edema), which may destroy nerve cells, cause bleeding in the brain (intracerebral hemorrhage), and brain damage.
Symptoms include:
* Clumsiness, unsteady gait
* Confusion, disorientation
* Drowsiness
* Fever
* Headache
* Irritability or poor temper control
* Light-sensitivity
* Stiff neck and back (occasionally)
* Vomiting
Emergency symptoms:
* Loss of consciousness, poor responsiveness, stupor, coma
* Muscle weakness or paralysis
* Seizures
* Sudden change in mental functions:
o Diminished interest in daily activities
o "Flat" mood, lack of mood, or mood inappropriate for the situation
o Impaired judgment
o Inflexibility, extreme self-centeredness, indecisiveness, or withdrawal from social interaction
o Memory loss (amnesia), impaired short-term or long-term memory
0 yorum:
Post a Comment