According to the Mayo Clinic, encephalitis stands for inflammation of the brain resulting from a viral infection. A person is infected with the virus through exposure to a specific fungus o bacteria. When you think of an inflammation of the brain, you would naturally assume that the virus is fairly deadly. Actually, the truth of the matter is that most cases of viral encephalitis go unnoticed and only a small portion of cases turn deadly. If you think you have encephalitis, going to see your doctor is the best choice of action, because you never know what turn the infection may take.
Non Life-Threatening Cases
Many people don't have any idea that they even have encephalitis. A mild case of encephalitis causes fatigue, irritability and some flu-like symptoms, lasting no more than a couple of days. The best way to treat mild encephalitis is through a regimen of rest, plenty of liquids and acetaminophen for headaches and low fever.
Severe Cases
Severe cases of encephalitis can be deadly and the first course of action is to go immediately to a doctor for treatment. Symptoms most commonly associated with encephalitis include confusion, hallucinations, seizures, extreme muscle weakness, lack of sensation or even paralysis, tremors, rash and a loss of consciousness. Because encephalitis is a virus, it is extremely difficult to treat. People infected with certain forms of encephalitis, such as the herpes simplex virus and the varicella-zoster virus have shown promising signs of recovery when treated with antiviral medications like acyclovir.
Recovery From the Virus
If you're afflicted with a serious case of encephalitis and treatment is effective, don't expect to be up and about any time soon. Acute cases of the virus can last anywhere from a week to almost a month. For some, depending on the type, recovery can take months. It really depends on the type of virus and how quickly you seek medical attention.
