Encephalitis Flashcards
1
Q
what is encephalitis?
A
- Inflammation to the brain
2
Q
what is it caused by?
A
viral infection autoimmune inflammation bacterial infection insect bites herpes rabies ticks
3
Q
primary causes
A
- Primary = when a virus infects the brain. Can be concentrated or widespread
4
Q
secondary causes
A
faulty immune system reaction to an infection elsewhere in the body. Instead of attacking the infection, the immune system attacks healthy cells in the brain.
Occurs 2-3 weeks after initial infection
5
Q
Symptoms
A
o Mild: headache, stiff neck, fever, aches in muscles or joints, fatigue or weakness
o Severe: confusion, agitation, hallucinations, seizures, loss of sensation, loss of ability to move certain parts of the body, muscle weakness, problems with speech or hearing, Loss of consciousness
