Viral encephalitis
Viral encephalitis
What is viral encephalitis?
Viral encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain caused by a virus. Some viral diseases, such as
measles
and
rubella
, can also progress to involve inflammation of the brain. Other micro-organisms, such as bacteria, fungi and parasites, are capable of triggering encephalitis, but viruses – particularly the group known as enteroviruses – are the leading cause.
Once inside the blood, the viruses migrate to the brain where they start to multiply. The body notices the invasion and mounts an immune system response. This causes the brain to swell. The combination of infection and immune response creates the typical symptoms of viral encephalitis.
The most serious potential complication from viral encephalitis is permanent brain damage. Children aged under one year and adults aged over 55 years are more vulnerable to life-threatening complications.
Symptoms of viral encephalitis
The symptoms of viral encephalitis include:
high temperature
headache
sensitivity to light (photophobia)
general malaise
stiff neck
stiff back
vomiting
changes to personality
confusion
memory loss (
amnesia
)
seizures
paralysis
coma
.
Viruses that can cause encephalitis
Some of the viruses that are capable of causing encephalitis include:
enteroviruses – such as coxsackievirus, poliovirus and echovirus
herpes simplex virus
varicella zoster virus
Epstein-Barr virus
cytomegalovirus
adenovirus
rubella
measles
Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) virus
and Kunjin virus
Japanese encephalitis virus
.
Modes of transmission of viruses
Viruses spread by different means, and some are more infectious than others. Some of the modes of viral transmission include:
coughs or sneezes from an infected person that release airborne viruses, which are then inhaled by others
infected insects (such as mosquitoes or ticks) and animals, which can transfer some viruses directly into the bloodstream via their bite
eating contaminated food or drink
the transfer of some viruses can occur through touching an infected person
there is evidence to suggest that some cases of viral encephalitis are caused by a dormant viral infection (such as herpes simplex virus) becoming active again.
Infection and the immune system response
Once viruses have gained access to the bloodstream, they can multiply and spread to other parts of the body, including to the spinal cord and brain (the central nervous system). Access to the brain is by blood or nerves. After breaching the blood–brain barrier, the viruses slip inside brain cells. This disrupts, damages and ultimately ruptures the infected brain cells.
Certain viruses have a preference for different areas of the brain. For example, the herpes simplex virus likes to target the temporal lobes located near each ear.
The cells of the immune system rush to the brain and start attacking the viruses. This causes the characteristic brain swelling (cerebral oedema). Both the infection and the attempts of the body to fight the infection are responsible for the symptoms of viral encephalitis.
Complications of viral encephalitis
Babies, older people and people with reduced immunity are at increased risk of developing complications of viral encephalitis. Some of these complications include:
low blood pressure (
hypotension
)
low oxygen levels in the blood (hypoxaemia)
bleeding inside the brain (intracerebral haemorrhage)
permanent brain damage
death.
Diagnosis of viral encephalitis
Viral encephalitis is diagnosed using a number of tests including:
physical examination
blood tests
laboratory examination of cerebrospinal fluid (clear liquid that bathes the brain and spinal cord) removed via a lumbar puncture (a procedure in which a small needle is inserted into the lower part of the spine)
computed tomography (CT) scan
electroencephalography (EEG)
to measure brain waves
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
.
Treatment for viral encephalitis
Unlike bacteria, viruses are difficult to treat. Antiviral medications only work on a limited number of viruses. Treatment aims to reduce the severity of the symptoms and may include:
hospitalisation
antiviral medication, given intravenously, if the virus is known to be susceptible to treatment with antiviral medication (such as the herpes simplex virus)
intravenous administration of medications to help reduce brain swelling
pain-relieving medication
medication to prevent vomiting
medication to prevent seizures (anticonvulsant)
medication to reduce fever, such as paracetamol
fluids to prevent dehydration, but not too much as this can worsen cerebral oedema (swelling of the brain).
Long-term outlook for viral encephalitis
The severity of viral encephalitis depends on the particular virus and how quickly treatment was given. Generally, the acute phase of the illness lasts around one or 2 weeks, and the symptoms either disappear quickly or subside slowly over a period of time.
In many cases, the person makes a full recovery. In other cases, the person can be left with varying degrees of brain damage, which may require long-term supportive care and therapy.
Where to get help
Always call an ambulance in an emergency (triple zero) Tel. 000
Emergency department of your nearest hospital
Your
GP (doctor)
NURSE-ON-CALL
Tel.
1300 60 60 24
(24 hours, 7 days) – for confidential health advice from a registered nurse