Encephalitis facts for kids
Encephalitis is a serious condition where your brain suddenly gets swollen. This swelling usually happens because of tiny invaders like viruses or bacteria. When your brain swells, it can get squished against your skull, which can cause damage.
Encephalitis can lead to very serious problems. These include things like seizures (when your brain activity goes haywire) or even strokes (when blood flow to part of your brain stops). Sadly, it can also be deadly. For example, in 2013, about 77,000 people around the world died from encephalitis.
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What is Encephalitis?
Encephalitis means your brain is inflamed. Think of it like a sprained ankle, but inside your head. This swelling can make it hard for your brain to work properly. It can affect how you think, move, and even feel.
Why Does the Brain Swell?
Most of the time, encephalitis is caused by an infection. This infection can come from different types of germs. The most common culprits are viruses.
- Viruses: Many viruses can cause encephalitis. Some common ones include the herpes simplex virus (which causes cold sores) or the measles virus. Viruses like rabies virus (from animal bites) can also cause it.
- Bacteria: Less often, certain bacteria can lead to encephalitis. This might happen if a bacterial infection spreads to the brain.
- Other Causes: Sometimes, your body's own immune system can mistakenly attack your brain. This is called autoimmune encephalitis.
How Encephalitis Affects You
When your brain swells, it can press against your skull. This pressure can damage brain cells. The damage can lead to many different symptoms.
- Early Signs: At first, you might feel like you have a bad flu. This can include a fever, headache, and feeling tired.
- Serious Symptoms: As the swelling gets worse, more serious problems can appear. You might become confused or have trouble speaking. Some people might have seizures, which are like electrical storms in the brain. Others might have strokes, which happen when blood flow to the brain is blocked.
- Long-term Effects: Even after getting better, some people might have lasting problems. These can include memory issues, learning difficulties, or changes in behavior.
Getting Help for Encephalitis
If someone shows signs of encephalitis, it's very important to get medical help right away. Doctors can do tests to find out what's causing the swelling. They might use brain scans or check fluid from around the brain.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on what caused the encephalitis.
- Antiviral Medicines: If a virus is the cause, doctors might give antiviral medicines. These medicines help fight off the virus.
- Antibiotics: If bacteria are to blame, antibiotics can be used.
- Supportive Care: People with encephalitis often need care to help manage their symptoms. This might include medicines to reduce swelling or control seizures. They might also need help breathing or eating.
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Rabies virus
See also
In Spanish: Encefalitis para niños
