Encephalitis tends to present with more prominent focal neurologic findings and/or seizures These features may not immediately lead to a suspicion for infection Among critically ill patients, meningitis and encephalitis can be indistinguishable. Patients with viral encephalitis usually have signs and symptoms of meningeal inflammation, but, in addition to headache, fever, and nuchal rigidity, their encephalitis is characterized by alterations of consciousness Mild lethargy may progress to confusion, stupor, and coma. However, many people do not have any symptoms of encephalitis
In other cases, people may experience Encephalitis can be dangerous in infants. It can be caused by a variety of viral pathogens, and infection by herpes simplex virus (hsv) is the most treatable cause of encephalitis In the acute setting, it can be difficult to distinguish encephalitis from severe cases of bacterial meningitis, as patients’ signs and symptoms may be similar. Many require tissue sampling to diagnose. Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain tissue
It can also develop if you have an autoimmune disease that causes your immune system to attack healthy brain tissue. Less than 50% of children with bacterial meningitis have nuchal rigidity The possibility of bacterial meningitis should be considered in every child with fever, vomiting, photophobia, lethargy or altered mental status. Both may be absent or reduced in very young or elderly patients, immunocompromised individuals, or patients with a severely depressed mental status Individuals with encephalitis or bacterial meningitis are usually hospitalized for treatment The prognosis for encephalitis varies
Some cases are mild, short and relatively benign and patients have full recovery Other cases are severe, and permanent impairment or death is possible.
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