Viral Encephalitis Symptoms
Viral encephalitis is swelling of the brain that occurs because of a viral infection. In the United States, the condition is rather rare, occurring in only two out of every 1 million people, according to Healthline. Those who do contract the virus display a variety of symptoms.
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Common Symptoms
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The Physicians' Desk Reference reports that the most common symptoms of viral encephalitis are fever and headache. Lethargy is another common symptom.
Mild Symptoms
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Other symptoms that occur more frequently include joint pain and irritability. In mild cases, the symptoms mimic those of influenza, according to the Mayo Clinic.
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Severe Mental Symptoms
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In more severe cases, patients sometimes develop mental symptoms, including confusion, hallucinations and personality change.
Severe Physical Symptoms
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Double vision, seizures, muscle weakness, reduced sense of touch, paralysis, tremors, rashes and a complete loss of consciousness are among the physical symptoms of more severe viral encephalitis infections.
Children's Symptoms
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An infant's soft spot or fontanels often bulges as a result of viral encephalitis. Body stiffness, vomiting and crying that cannot be soothed through normal consolation are other symptoms that present in children and babies.
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