Encephalitis

Inflammation of the brain.

Encephalitis occurs, for example, in 1 in 1,000 cases of measles.

It may start (up to 3 weeks) after onset of the measles rash and present with high fever, convulsions, and coma.

It usually runs a blessedly short course with full recovery within a week.

Or it may eventuate in central nervous system impairment or death.

Encephalitis can cause brain damage, which may result in or exacerbate the symptoms of a developmental disorder or mental illness.

The form called encephalitis lethargica ('sleeping sickness') results in a set of Parkinson's disease-like symptoms called postencephalitic parkinsonianism.

In some cases encephalitis causes death.

Treatment of encephalitis must begin as early as possible to avoid potentially serious and life-long effects.

Depending on the cause of the inflammation, this may include antibiotics, anti-viral medications, and anti-inflammatory drugs.

If brain damage results from encephalitis, therapy (such as physical therapy or cognitive restoration therapy) may help patients regain lost functions.