The Mayo Clinic defines "encephalitis" as inflammation of the brain. Encephalitis is a rare and comes in two forms. The primary form of the disease is the result of the brain and spinal cord being infected with a virus. Secondary encephalitis occurs when a viral infection begins in the body and travels to the brain. The side effects of these two forms of encephalitis can vary.
Mild Side Effects
The most common side effects of encephalitis include headache, joint pain, fever, lethargy and irritability. Mild symptoms of encephalitis can be associated with both primary and secondary forms of the disease. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) points out that early encephalitis may appear like the flu for one to two days. A distinct rash sometimes develops and makes encephalitis identification simple.
A secondary bacterial infection of the urinary and respiratory tracts are common with encephalitis. As the disease progresses, the bacterial infections can become severe as well.
More Serious Side Effects
The side effects of the disease can progress over time or because the infection has reached the brain. Symptoms include rash, tremors, paralysis in parts of the body, changes in personality, confusion, muscle weakness, seizures, hallucinations, loss of sensation in parts of the body or a loss of consciousness. In addition to these symptoms, infants may have bulging at the soft spots in the skull. The NINDS indicates that severe dementia and impaired judgement may result when the brain becomes inflamed from the infection.
Life-Threatening Side Effects
Any signs of encephalitis require medical attention but some side effects can lead to death if they go untreated. The Mayo Clinic identifies these as an altered level of consciousness or hallucinations, muscle fatigue or loss of feeling, seizures or mental disturbances. Infants may become inconsolable, vomit and experience body rigidity.
Complications
Severe cases of encephalitis can result in deadly seizures, coma, respiratory arrest and even death, warns the Mayo Clinic. The effects of the disease can be lasting. Individuals may continually be tired, weak, depressed or have memory problems long after the virus has passed. Other problems that may occur include personality changes and walking problems. These complications could be permanent. Some patients never regain the ability to speak, see or hear clearly. Other patients may struggle with muscle control and paralysis.
Once the virus has passed, individuals may continue to suffer from impaired intelligence and psychiatric disturbances. Children affected before the age of five may experience mental retardation and paralysis.
