Viral encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by viral infection.
Viral encephalitis (referred to as sick brain) is a group of infectious diseases of the central nervous system caused by various viruses with mental and consciousness disorders as the prominent manifestations. The disease is usually preceded by a history of upper respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, exposure to animals or insect bites 1-3 weeks before the disease. The disease varies in severity, with mild cases resolving on their own and critical cases leading to sequelae or death.
Etiology
When viruses (such as epidemic B encephalitis virus, herpes simplex virus, mumps virus, measles virus, EBV, etc.) enter the body, they first enter the bloodstream and cause viremia, which can then invade the organs of the body or the central nervous system; or the virus can directly invade the central nervous system. When viral encephalitis occurs, it often causes inflammation, edema, necrosis and other changes in nerve cells, and a series of clinical manifestations. When the inflammation spreads to the meninges, it is called viral meningoencephalitis.
Symptoms
Viral encephalitis varies greatly in severity. There are both those with high fever and those with only low fever. There are usually varying degrees of headache, vomiting, poor mental appearance, and sleepiness. In severe cases, there may be seizures, coma, limb paralysis, and irregular respiratory rhythm. The manifestations of encephalitis are diverse due to the different types of viruses.
Epidemic B encephalitis (referred to as B encephalitis) is transmitted by mosquitoes with the virus and is most likely to cause high fever, seizures, and coma. The onset of the disease is rapid and progresses rapidly, with a high rate of disability and death. Encephalitis caused by herpes simplex virus is also very serious. The brain is not only inflamed and edematous, but also bleeding and necrosis occur more often. Mumps encephalitis is a comorbidity of mumps. In addition to painful swelling of the parotid gland, the child gradually develops headache and vomiting, suggesting possible brain damage. Some patients develop encephalitis symptoms only after the mumps have resolved. In rare cases, the symptoms of encephalitis may be present at the beginning without mumps. Viral encephalitis can be diagnosed by clinical manifestations, cerebrospinal fluid tests, electroencephalogram and C-T. In a few hospitals, specific antibodies or virus isolation can be done. In order to further clarify the etiology.
Treatment
Antiviral treatment is available for both confirmed and suspected patients. For herpes simplex virus, acycloviruses can be used; for other viruses, virazole and a combination of Chinese and Western medicine can be used. The prognosis of viral encephalitis is closely related to the infected pathogen. The prognosis is poor in cases caused by herpes simplex virus. Many surviving patients have varying degrees of sequelae. In addition to physical exercise, vaccination with various antiviral vaccines is the fundamental way to prevent viral encephalitis.
Care
1.Rising body temperature stage: pay attention to keep warm when shivering.
2.Continuing fever stage: pay attention to hydration when applying antipyretic drugs.
3.Anti-fever stage: change sweaty clothes in time to prevent from getting cold.
4.Pay attention to oral cleaning and skin cleaning, eat a light, easily digestible diet, such as lean thin rice, noodles, green vegetable soup, etc.
Rehabilitation treatment
Early functional exercise of limbs for early recovery.
1.Let the paralyzed limb of the child be in a functional position.
2.For awake children, be more caring and considerate to the children and enhance self-care ability and confidence.
3.Frequently communicate with the child to promote the recovery of language function.
4.Massage the limb muscles and do stretching exercises for the child as early as possible.
5. Encourage and assist the child to perform active functional exercises during the recovery period.
6.Activities should be gradual, pay attention to safety and prevent bruises.
7. If there are obvious sequelae, formal rehabilitation should be carried out in a timely manner.