Ways To Treat Encephalitis
Encephalitis occurs when the brain becomes inflamed. There are multiple potential causes, although the most common is a viral infection. Treatment can vary depending on the cause of the inflammation. In many cases, encephalitis only causes mild symptoms. The condition can also result in confusion, sensory issues, problems with movement, and seizures. Each patient is affected differently by encephalitis. There are rare cases in which this condition becomes life-threatening. It's important for individuals to see a doctor right away if they're experiencing severe symptoms, since timely treatment makes a huge difference. When young children or infants have symptoms of encephalitis, they should be given urgent care.
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Drink Lots Of Clear Fluids
When a person has mild encephalitis, it's important to drink lots of clear fluids. The mild symptoms tend to be similar to the flu, including fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. As with the flu, staying hydrated is a priority. Many individuals don't drink enough water each day. Water is necessary for digestive health, since the bowel needs water to function properly. Water also helps individuals sweat and remove waste from the body. Water is also necessary for maintaining blood pressure and keeping airways healthy. Since nutrients and minerals dissolve in water, it's essential for patients to drink fluids when they're recovering from an illness like encephalitis. In addition, the kidneys regulate the body's fluids and filter them. For the kidneys to work properly, they need to be cleaned with water.
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Antiviral And Anti-Inflammatory Medication
Antiviral and anti-inflammatory medications are important to the treatment of encephalitis. Anti-inflammatory medications can reduce the symptoms of inflammation in the brain, leading to a reduction in overall symptoms. Antiviral medication helps fight off the viral infection that caused the encephalitis in the first place. The most common antiviral medications are foscarnet, ganciclovir, and acyclovir. There are certain viruses, like those borne by mosquitoes, that won't respond to antiviral medications. However, it may be difficult to identify the exact virus. As such, doctors might recommend an antiviral treatment that can tackle a multitude of different viruses. There aren't many potential side effects of antiviral medications, though there have been rare cases where patients report kidney damage. Anti-inflammatory medications can help by inhibiting the inflammatory immune response.
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Physical And Occupational Therapy
Some patients might experience complications due to encephalitis. Complications occur when the brain becomes injured due to inflammation. In the most serious cases, brain injury can lead to death or coma. Other potential complications include chronic fatigue, changes in personality, problems with memory, paralysis, speech impairment, muscle weakness, lack of coordination, and loss of vision or hearing. In these cases, once the initial encephalitis has resolved, the complications might need treatment with physical and occupational therapy. Physical therapy uses exercises to improve muscle strength, balance, overall flexibility, mobility, and motor coordination. Occupational therapy is a way of teaching patients to do everyday tasks and relearn independent living skills that may be difficult. Occupational therapists might also teach individuals how to use assistive living devices.
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Get Breathing Assistance
If a patient is hospitalized due to severe encephalitis, they may need supportive care. The type of supportive care necessary depends on the exact symptoms they're experiencing. Inflammation can affect the brain in different ways. Since the brain controls every aspect of the body, symptoms vary widely in presentation and severity. When patients are having trouble breathing, they may need to get breathing assistance. This could include breathing machines along with monitoring of breathing and monitoring of heart function. Breathing assistance is typically necessary if an encephalitis patient is experiencing muscle weakness, paralysis, or a loss of sensation affecting their ability to take in air. Some patients may need breathing assistance after a loss of consciousness.
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Receive Intravenous Fluids
Patients hospitalized for severe encephalitis will typically receive intravenous fluids, which are important for maintaining hydration and ensuring the patient continues to absorb essential minerals. IV fluids are usually administered alongside other medications. Doctors will use anti-inflammatories to reduce pressure and swelling, while anticonvulsants can be used to manage seizures and abnormal electrical activity throughout the brain. Intravenous fluids serve the same purpose as drinking water, but they're helpful when encephalitis patients have trouble drinking or are unconscious. Severe encephalitis symptoms include confusion, hallucinations, agitation, and seizures. They also include problems with the muscles and the senses. Patients might lose consciousness. For young children and infants, there may also be irritability, poor feeding, vomiting, nausea, and stiffness in the body.