Let's learn more about encephalitis. Read on without fear!

Today we are going to talk about a disease that sounds a bit serious. That is brain fever, or as doctors call it (Encephalitis) . Even though the name may sound a little scary, if we know about it properly, we can take action at the right time. So, let's see what it is, why it happens, and how we can be careful?

What is encephalitis?

Simply put, encephalitis is a swelling or inflammation that occurs inside our brain . Just like swelling occurs when we get injured somewhere in our body, this can also happen in the brain. Most of the time, it is caused by a virus. Sometimes it is also called ``acute viral encephalitis``, which means a sudden brain fever caused by a virus. Another name is ``aseptic encephalitis``. These all refer to the same condition.

Who gets this the most?

Encephalitis is actually a relatively rare disease . It doesn't happen to everyone. However, some people are more likely to develop it.

• For little children
• For the elderly (that is, for those like our grandparents)
• People with weakened immune systems . That is, those whose bodies have less ability to fight off illness. For example, people with HIV/AIDS, people with illnesses like cancer, or people taking medications that suppress their immune system are at higher risk.

According to reports from organizations like the World Health Organization (CDC), thousands of people develop this disease every year. However, doctors believe that many more people may suffer from this disease, but because the symptoms are sometimes very subtle, or start like a common cold, many people may not recognize it as encephalitis.

What are the symptoms of this?

The symptoms of this can vary from person to person. Some people experience very severe symptoms , while others experience them less frequently .

Usually, if the illness is not severe...

When the disease is not so severe, symptoms such as these may be seen:

• Fever develops.
• Headache
• Anorexia (not feeling like eating)
• Feeling of loss of energy
• It just feels like a general feeling of heaviness in the body .

If the illness is a little severe...

However, if the disease (encephalitis) becomes severe, the symptoms can be more serious .

• I'm getting a bad fever.
• My head hurts badly.
• Feeling nauseous and vomiting.
• Neck becomes stiff, difficult to bend (stiff neck)
• Confusion - This means that your consciousness is a bit confused, and it's hard to remember what you're doing or where you are.
• Personality changes - You may not be the same person you used to be.
• Tremor or convulsionConvulsions / seizures may occur.
• Difficulty speaking and understanding what is heard
• Seeing things that are not there and hearing sounds that are not there (hallucinations)
• Memory loss
• Feeling more sleepy
• Sometimes, loss of consciousness (coma) is possible.

Important: If you develop any of these serious symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately , as this could be an emergency.

How are the milkmaids and the little ones?

It can be a little difficult to recognize these symptoms in newborns and young children who can't yet talk. Because they don't understand what's happening to them. Therefore, as parents, we need to be very attentive to these things:

• Vomiting
• If the top of the head appears to be full or swollen, it is a ``bulging soft spot / fontanel`` - the delicate spot on the top of the baby's head.
• If the baby continues to cry, or cries even more when you pick him up or touch him .
• Body stiffness
• If you are sleepy, not playing, and seem lifeless (lethargy)

Think about it, sometimes it starts like a common cold or flu, and then these (Encephalitis) symptoms appear. But sometimes this disease can appear suddenly without any prior warning . Therefore, it is very important to be aware of these symptoms.

Why does this (Encephalitis) occur? What are the causes?

Most often, it is caused by viruses . Encephalitis can be caused by three main groups of viruses:

1. Herpes viruses `(Herpes viruses)` group:

• We all know the virus that causes chickenpox .
• The virus is called `EBV (Epstein-Barr virus). This is what causes the disease `(mono)` (infectious mononucleosis).
• The herpes simplex virus is what causes chapped lips and blisters in the mouth.

2. Viruses and other germs transmitted by insects:

• West Nile virus is a virus that is transmitted by mosquito bites.
• Diseases transmitted by ticks. For example, the germs that cause Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever .

3. Disease-causing viruses that were once common in childhood but have now been reduced due to vaccines:

• Measles
• Mumps
• German measles

"Fortunately, now that there are vaccines for these diseases, the incidence of these (encephalitis) is much lower. That's the value of vaccines."

In addition to these main causes, encephalitis can also be caused by other rare causes:

• Due to some bacterial infections . For example, there is a type of brain fever called bacterial meningitis , as a complication of it.
• As a complication of other infectious diseases, such as syphilis .
• Because it's a parasite . An example is `(toxoplasmosis)`. This can be transmitted through the feces of infected cats, especially to people with weakened immune systems.

But sometimes, no matter how many tests are done, the exact cause of encephalitis cannot be determined . We must remember that too.

Is Encephalitis a contagious disease?

The most important thing here is that brain inflammation is not directly transmitted from one person to another . However, the virus that causes encephalitis can be transmitted . For example, if encephalitis is caused by the chickenpox virus, the chickenpox virus can be transmitted to another person. However, not everyone develops encephalitis when that virus enters the body. It depends on many things, such as the person's immunity and the nature of the virus.

How do doctors diagnose this (Encephalitis)?

If a doctor suspects that you have encephalitis, they will run several tests to find out for sure.

• Imaging tests: These can look inside the brain.
• CT scan (CT scan - computed tomography scan)
• MRI scan `(MRI - magnetic resonance imaging)`

These scans check for swelling, bleeding, or other problems in the brain.

• EEG (electroencephalogram): This is used to record the electrical waves in the brain. This can be used to see if there are any abnormalities in brain function.
• Blood tests: These check for bacteria or viruses in the blood. They also check for the presence of special proteins called antibodies , which are produced in the body against a germ.
• Lumbar puncture / spinal tap: This involves taking a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid, the fluid that surrounds our brain and spinal cord, and checking it for signs of infection. Although it may sound a bit scary, doctors do this very carefully and only when absolutely necessary.

How is Encephalitis treated?

Many children with encephalitis need to stay in the hospital for treatment, sometimes in the intensive care unit .The treatment is done in the ``ICU - intensive care unit''. There, doctors and nurses constantly monitor the child's blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, and fluid levels. This is very important to prevent further swelling of the brain.

Types of medications given

Doctors use different types of medications depending on the cause and symptoms of the disease:

• Antiviral drugs: Some types of encephalitis, for example those caused by the herpes simplex virus, can be treated with these drugs.
• Corticosteroids: These are given to reduce swelling in the brain.
• Anticonvulsants: If the child is having seizures, these medications are given to control them.
• Common painkillers: You can give acetaminophen (such as paracetamol) for fever and headaches. These can be purchased at a pharmacy.
• Antibiotics: These do not work against viruses. Therefore, since most cases of encephalitis are caused by viruses, antibiotics are not usually used. However, if it is caused by a bacterial infection, then antibiotics are given.

Recovery and long-term effects

Most people recover completely from encephalitis, but in some cases, swelling of the brain can cause long-term problems .

• Learning disabilities
• Speech problems
• Memory loss
• Hearing loss
• Lack of muscle control

In cases like this, treatments such as speech therapy, physical therapy, or occupational therapy can help.

How long does it take to recover from this illness?

In most cases, the acute phase of the illness (when symptoms are most severe) can last about a week . But full recovery takes longer . It can take weeks or even months. It varies from person to person.

Can encephalitis be prevented?

There is no way to directly prevent encephalitis. However, we can protect ourselves from other diseases that can cause this disease .

• Vaccines: Vaccinations given to children at a young age can protect them from many diseases. So, follow the vaccination schedule exactly as your doctor tells you.
• Stay away from infected people: If you know someone who has encephalitis, avoid close contact with them (especially if the illness is caused by a virus).
• Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly: It is very important that everyone in your family develops this habit.

What do you do to protect yourself from mosquitoes?

It is important to protect yourself from mosquitoes, as they can cause encephalitis, a virus transmitted by mosquitoes.

• Mosquitoes are most numerous in the early morning and evening (just before sunrise and just before sunset). Try to avoid being outdoors as much as possible during these times.
• Wear clothing that covers your body when you go outside, such as long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Use insect repellent .
• Eliminate standing water around your home. If water collects in buckets, birdbaths, flower pots, tires, etc., these are breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

How to protect yourself from ticks?

Tick-borne diseases (encephalitis) can also be a cause.

• Reduce children's frequent exposure to soil, leaf litter, and tree branches .
• When playing outdoors, such as in a forest, wear long-sleeved, light-colored clothes and long pants .
• When your children come home from a day out, check them for ticks . Also check your pets (dogs, cats).

When should you definitely see a doctor?

This is the most important part . If your child has these symptoms, you should seek medical advice immediately . It's better not to delay.

If your child has a high fever , especially if they have had a childhood illness (such as measles, mumps, or chickenpox) or are recovering from that illness , tell a doctor.

You should seek immediate medical attention if your child has any of these symptoms:

• A severe headache
• Convulsions / seizures
• Stiff neck
• Inability to look at bright light
• Seeing things in two (double vision)
• Difficulty walking
• Difficulty speaking or hearing
• Difficulty moving an arm or leg
• Loss of sensation somewhere in the body
• Sudden personality changes
• Memory problems
• Excessive sleepiness or lethargy
• Passing out

What if a little baby had these symptoms?

If a baby who is breastfeeding and cannot yet talk has these symptoms , take him to the hospital immediately :

• A high fever or a fever over 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 Fahrenheit) in a baby under 3 months old .
• If the tip of the nose is full and swollen .
• If the body feels tight, if there is a floppiness.
• If you experience excessive weakness or drowsiness .
• If you have reduced appetite or decreased milk intake .
• If you vomit .
• If you keep crying without stopping .

If you notice these symptoms, don't delay. See a doctor as soon as possible. Starting treatment early can make a big difference.

Finally, things to remember

So, although encephalitis or brain fever is a serious condition, being aware of it allows us to take action at the right time.

• Recognize the symptoms: Be especially concerned if your child has unusual symptoms (such as severe headache, seizures, stiff neck, or altered consciousness) along with a fever. Also pay attention to changes in young children (such as frequent crying, bloated stomach, or loss of appetite).
• Seek immediate medical attention: If in doubt, see a doctor without delay. Prompt treatment is very important.
• Get vaccinated properly: Getting children vaccinated on time can prevent some diseases that cause encephalitis.
• Follow safety measures: Protect yourself from mosquitoes and ticks. Wash your hands frequently.

I hope this information is useful to you. Stay healthy everyone!

` Brain fever, Encephalitis, Childhood diseases, Viral infections, Brain swelling, Symptoms, Treatment, Brain inflammation, Infant symptoms, Prevention