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Encephalitis

How is it treated?

An antiviral medication, Acyclovir, will be prescribed. Acyclovir has significantly improved the outlook in cases of herpes simplex encephalitis but is not as effective against other viruses. Steroids may be prescribed for Post Infectious encephalitis. Other treatment for Encephalitis is symptomatic.

Provision of nutrition, fluids and rest will allow the body to fight the infection. Emotional support of agitated or confused persons is helpful.

After the acute phase of Encephalitis, which may last from one to two weeks, physiotherapy and speech therapy may be necessary and an assessment by a neuropsychologist is advised.

A proportion of people will be left with highly variable and often permanent consequences of the illness (acquired brain injury). These difficulties may include cognitive, physical, emotional or behavioural consequences. Specialist clinical support and rehabilitation are needed to help the person adjust to, and cope with, such difficulties.

View How is it diagnosed? How is it diagnosed?  |  Inheritance patterns and prenatal diagnosis View Inheritance patterns and prenatal diagnosis

Medical text written November 2005 by the Encephalitis Society and Contact a Family. Approved November 2005 by Professor Hawkins, Professor of Clinical Neurology, Keele University and Consultant Neurologist to the Regional Neuroscience Centre, Stoke-on-Trent, UK.

 

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