Encephalitis continues to be one of the problems it continues to appear in many developing countries. Today it is another of the problems associated with the contagion of various viruses that can alter our immune system. In this process it causes an inflammation or swelling of the brain that can lead to some disorders.
An encephalitis It can affect children, the elderly, and others with weakened immune systems. Finding this type of disorder is of vital importance since in most cases it evolves favorably with treatment. But if they are not reported severe symptoms and immediate treatment is not given the consequences they can diminish the cognitive capacity of a personal one, with sequelae for life.
Common symptoms of encephalitis
An adult person can better analyze your body and feel some kind of symptoms that can give the warning that something is not right inside. With children these symptoms can be more difficult to diagnose and if it is in the case of babies much more. Here we can give some details of how we can analyze them:
- In the case of children, there may be deviations in their behavior. Lack of appetite and energy It can lead to it, but it can be a very common fact that usually happens without importance, so it is best to be attentive in case fever and severe headaches. The nausea, vomiting, and a stiff neck can be presented, as well as changes of personality, hallucinations, drowsiness or memory loss.
- In babies it is more difficult to detect symptoms but some unusual signs may appear like frequent crying, which do not stop even holding him in their arms. Vomiting can occur frequently and we can even detect in the area of the fontanelles that appear bulging. Body stiffness it can also be another clue.
Causes and diagnosis
The most common cause is due to some type of viral infection. The most common viruses are enteroviruses, herpes (herpes simplex and chickenpox), those transmitted by animals (the most common occur in rabies animals, mosquitoes and ticks; viruses from measles, mumps, or rubella. The latter can also be of great importance if the corresponding vaccines have not been provided within the schedule.
A diagnosis must be made as proof of this, tests range from an MRI to a CT scan, where it will be resolved if the brain is inflamed or presents some type of alteration or bleeding.
The EEG It is also usually diagnosed since electrical signals are recorded that will give us a detail of the presence of abnormal brain waves. A blood test It will be crucial to determine if there is any possible infection of viruses or bacteria, as well as the collection of cerebrospinal fluid to detect any possible infection.
How to deal with encephalitis and how to eradicate it
There are medications for its treatment. The purpose is to treat the possible infection and for this it will be administered some kind of antibiotic. He will require other medications if the child has a seizure or a corticosteroid to reduce brain swelling.
Coping with this disease will depend on the evolution of said encephalitis. It is crucial to detect it as soon as possible and this will require immediate hospitalization.
Depending on the degree of severity, your recovery can be complex. Some children will need some type of occupational therapy or some type of speech aid. Others have been physically damaged and will require sessions physiotherapy to regain your muscle strength.
However, all kinds of recommendations will continue to be offered from the hospital, from how to better care for the child at home, as well as all the diagnostic tests that they entail later to follow their optimal evolution.