World Encephalitis Day comes on February 22. It is a global awareness day where people who are affected by encephalitis come together to shine a light on the issue.
The sixth annual world Encephalitis Day is led by Encephalitis Society and on this day we honor those people who are affected by encephalitis across the world.
What is Encephalitis?
Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain tissue. The most common cause is viral infections. Sometimes causes can be bacteria or even fungi.
There are two main types of encephalitis:
Primary which occurs when a virus directly infects the brain and spinal cord.
Secondary encephalitis occurs when an infection starts elsewhere in the body and then travels to your brain.
What are the Symptoms of Encephalitis?
The symptoms of encephalitis can range from mild to severe.
Mild symptom includes:
- fever
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Stiff Neck
- Exhaustion
Severe symptom includes:
Fever of 103 Fahrenheit or higher
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Hallucinations
- Slower Movement
- Coma
- Seizures
- Irritability
- sensitivity to light
- unconsciousness
How is encephalitis diagnosed?
There are different test method to diagnosed the encephalitis.
Spinal tap or lumbar puncture
In this method sample of spinal fluid is collected by the doctor by inserting a needle in to lower back
Brain imaging with CT scan or MRI
by this method, we detect the change in brain structure. If there is a difference in brain structure it can be tumor or stroke.some viruses affect an only certain area of the brain. by recognizing which brain part is affected we can know which virus is a cause of the disease.
Electroencephalograph (EEG)
An EEG uses electrodes attached to the scalp to record brain activity. An EEG does not detect the viruses, but certain patterns on the EEG may alert your neurologist to an infectious source of your symptoms.
Brain biopsy
IN this test sample of brain tissue is taken to test for viruses or infection.
How is encephalitis treated?
following are the measures used for treating encephalitis.
- Rest
- Pain killers
- Corticosteroids ( to reduce brain inflammation)
- mechanical ventilation (to help with breathing)
- lukewarm sponge bath
- anticonvulsants (to prevent seizures)
- sedatives (for restlessness, aggressiveness, and irritability)
- fluids(sometimes through an IV)
Importance of World Encephalitis Day
In the world, there are 70 to 80% of people who are unaware of Encephalitis. So on February 22 celebrating world encephalitis can help other people to know about the disease. They can aware of Encephalitis know what it is, and what are the symptoms of it so they can fight the early stages of this disease.
What you can do to help?
Take part in Brain walk and join the Encephalitis Society in their digital walk around the world.
Go #RED4WED on world Encephalitis Day
Hand out Encephalitis Society’s official put it on… Pass it on wristbands to people who are unaware of encephalitis.
