Medium urgency
-Moderately severe
Encephalitis is the inflammation of the brain. It is generally due to a viral infection but it can be produced by other causes. Most cases are mild and present as a flu with headache, but it may sometimes turn severe and leave the patient in a coma. It manifests with one or more of the following symptoms: sudden fever, intense headache that may be accompanied by a stiff neck, drowsiness or altered level of consciousness, convulsions, speech disruption, tremors, altered vision and/or hearing, vomiting, etc. It is diagnosed by means of a detailed clinical history and a complete physical examination. Additional tests will be required in many cases, including CT scan or a lumbar puncture. The vast majority of cases of encephalitis resolve spontaneously and require only symptomatic treatment. When the patient's general state of health is severely affected or suffers from confusion, agitation, or very severe headache, it may be necessary to admit them to the hospital for treatment and stabilization.
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Dr. Oscar Garcia-Esquirol
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