How to Identify Symptoms of Viral Encephalitis

Encephalitis is a very serious condition that involves inflammation of the brain. It is carried by viral infections, hence its name, viral encephalitis. The condition may occur in any age group, but is most commonly found in either the very young or senior citizens.Caused by an inflammation of the actual brain or the membranes covering the brain (called meneinges), viral encephalitis is carried by ticks and mosquitoes in what is called an arbovirus. It is also transmitted in the herpes family of viruses, as well as measles and mumps in some cases.Risks for contracting viral encephalitis increase with age, though the condition is most common in infants and newborns. Risks also increase if you live in an area rife with mosquitoes, or if you have weakened immune system function.Learn to identify symptoms of viral encephalitis in order to obtain prompt medical care and to reduce risks of bacterial infections or, though rare, coma and death.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Watch for signs of fever that may or may not be accompanied by vomiting.

2. Be alert for any signs of swelling or bulging on the soft spot of an infant's skull, which is a prime indicator of swelling in the cranial cavity.

3. Listen to any complaints of headache and stiff neck, accompanied by additional flu-like symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and general fatigue or lethargy.

4. Watch for signs of confusion in both toddlers and the elderly that may or may not be accompanied by difficulty speaking, signs of weakness or complaints of paralysis in an arm or leg.

5. Ask children or seniors if they are having difficult seeing or hearing. In some cases, symptoms of viral encephalitis include double vision and hearing loss.

Tips & Warnings

• Any unusual symptoms should be addressed by a medical care provider. Medical blood and spinal fluid tests will determine the presence of suspected viral encephalitis.

• Hospital care may be indicated for more serious cases of viral encephalitis. More serious complications may affect the very young and the elderly, so early diagnosis and treatment is encouraged.