Encephalitis means inflammation of the brain.
It is generally due to a viral infection, specially, enteroviruses, measles virus and varicella zoster virus. It can also be produced by a bacterium, a parasite or a fungi.
Most cases are mild and present as a flu with headache. If acute, the symptomatology may be a sudden fever clinical picture, intense headache that may be accompanied by a stiff neck, drowsiness or altered level of consciousness and coma.
Diagnosis is based on a detailed clinical history and complete physical examination. Complementary examinations are necessary to complete the study: blood and cerebrospinal fluid tests, serology for antibodies against viruses, CT-scan, electroencephalogram (EEG) and/or MRI.
The vast majority of viral encephalitis subsides spontaneously, requiring only symptomatic treatment. Cases of severe general malaise, confusion, agitation or severe headache may require hospital admission for treatment and stabilisation.
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