Encephalitis is a term utilised to define the inflammation of the membranes that encompass the brain and spinal cord. This condition causes some issues with the brain and spinal cord function. The inflammation causes the brain to swell that leads to changes in the kid's neurological condition, including mental confusion and seizures.
What causes encephalitis?
he cause of encephalitis varies depending on the season, the area of the country, and the exposure of the child. Viruses are the leading cause of encephalitis. Although vaccines for many viruses, including measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox have greatly lowered the rate of encephalitis from these diseases, other viruses can cause encephalitis. These include herpes simplex virus, West Nile virus (carried by mosquitoes) and rabies (carried by a number of different animals).
Encephalitis can also happen following a bacterial infection, like Lyme disease, tuberculosis and syphilis, and by parasites, like toxoplasmosis.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms might include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Aversion to light
- Neck stiffness
- sleepiness
- Increased irritability
- Seizures
- Skin rashes
- Trouble in talking and speech changes