Putting It All Together

Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to encephalitis.

• Encephalitis is a serious medical emergency caused when the brain becomes inflamed, usually as the result of an infection.

• Fever, headaches, fatigue, seizures, nausea and vomiting, and mental confusion are some of the common signs of encephalitis.

• In most cases, doctors are not able to definitively identify what germ caused the illness. They often give antibiotics and anti-viral medications in the absence of a firm diagnosis so as to err on the side of caution.

• Outbreaks of encephalitis are usually traced to insect-borne viruses called Arboviruses. However, the majority of cases are sporadic and isolated.

• While there is a wide variation in outcome, patients with serious cases can die or be left with permanent brain damage. Sometimes the after-effects will improve with time. Many patients recover fully.