Encephalitis / Seizures Flashcards
- What does encephalon mean?
2. What does parenchyma mean?
- The brain
2. Functional tissue in any organ
What is encephalitis?
Inflammation of parenchyma of the brain and spinal chord
What is encephalitis usually d/t: viral or bacterial infection?
Explain why? (to do with mode of action)
Typically viral infection
Bacteria and Virus mode of action = different. Virus cells enter the host cells in order to replicate, so would be inside the cells of the tissue in the brain causing inflammation
What are the 2 most common viruses that can lead to encephalitis? (2)
- Herpes Simplex 1 Virus
2. Arbovirus
Explain what arbovirus is spread by. Provide an example.
Spread by arthopods (have skeleton and is a classification of insect)
Ex. Tick
What is the pathophysiology of Encephalitis?
- Localized necrosis and hemorrhage of the neurons in the brain/spinal chord –> becomes generalized –> edema (swelling within the brain tissue itself)
- Cell bodies degenerate
Is encephalitis a predictable course? Why or why not?
Not a predictable course d/t to the various parts of the brain that can be damage, the location that is damaged may have different specialized function
Can you predict the progression of encephalitis?
Nope!
What are the Manifestations of Encephalitis? (6)
- Neuro disturbances
- Fever
- Headache
- Meninges could be affected
- Nuchal Rigidity
- Sever neurological impairment
What do the neuro disturbances include? (3)
- lethargy
- seizures
- coma
Explain what are the 2 severe neurological impairments that can occur are?
- Dementia
2. Seizures
What is the more severe form of encephalitis from (which virus?)
Herpes Simplex 1 Virus = more aggressive
Since Encephalitis that comes from Herpes Simplex 1 virus is more aggressive, what sort of treatment does it require? Through which route of administration?
Antiviral Medications
IV
What is the mortality rate of patients who suffer from encephalitis?
~30%
Define seizure:
What does this cause to happen?
Acute onset, uncontrolled neuronal discharge
- alteration in behaviour and movements