The acute inflammation of the brain, otherwise known as encephalitis, occurs when a bacterial infection spreads to the brain or may become a problem secondary to diseases such as syphilis or rabies. People with weak immune systems can contract encephalitis with malaria or other parasitic diseases.
There are many different types of the disease and they can be contracted through a variety of means. Herpes simplex encephalitis can be caused by the same herpes virus that causes cold sores. It can lead to hallucinations, seizures, paralysis and brain damage if left untreated.
Encephalitis lethargica spread as an epidemic in the early 20th century, killing millions in its wake. Only a few cases have been reported since but several patients have been suspected to have caught it. Other strains include limbic system encephalitis, Japanese encephalitis, La Crosse encephalitis and California encephalitis virus.
How serious: most victims of encephalitis recover, but rarely the swelling of the brain can result in brain damage or even death.
How likely: encephalitis is rare and tends to affect people with weakened immune systems such as sufferers of HIV and AIDS.
How to get it: the disease is contracted in a variety of ways. Most commonly it is caused by different viruses such as herpes, rabies or syphilis but some strains can be spread by mosquitoes. Milder forms can be secondary complications of childhood diseases such as mumps or measles.
Where it is found: because there are so many strains of encephalitis, different strains of it are found all over the world including Central Europe, South and North America, Asia and Africa.
Symptoms: of encephalitis include severe headaches and photophobia, a high fever and sufferers may experience seizures. Movement and motor skills can be weakened and victims can become drowsy or clumsy.
How to avoid it: the only way to avoid encephalitis is to avoid the diseases that cause it and prevent mosquito bites. Vaccinations are the best way to prevent many of these diseases from being contracted.
How to treat it: treatment tends to be symptomatic. Mechanical ventilation is necessary for very sick patients and antiviral agents work with limited success.
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