What Causes Infection in the Brain?

How Brain Infections Start-and What You Can Do to Prevent Them

Brain infections are serious diseases that occur when pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites attack brain tissue. The infection can spread into the central nervous system (CNS) and various other parts of the spinal cord.

If not treated on time, it may also lead to long-term complications or life-threatening disorders. Therefore, it's crucial to understand the causes of brain infections for early detection and proper treatment. Read ahead to learn more about brain infection types, causes, and symptoms.

What are the Common Causes of Brain Infections?

The route of brain infection may vary depending on the cause of the disease. Common elements that can contribute to brain infections include:

• Viruses : A variety of rare viruses, including herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and influenza virus, can cause infections in the brain and central nervous system (CNS). Diseases caused by mosquitoes, such as West Nile fever and the Zika virus, can also result in brain infections. Japan's encephalitis virus causes viral encephalitis.
• Bacteria : Various bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis (causing meningitis), and Staphylococcus aureus (resulting in abscesses)
• Fungi : Fungal infections caused by fungi, such as Aspergillus, Blastomyces, Coccidioides, and Cryptococcus, can spread to the brain through the bloodstream. They often attack individuals with a weakened immune system.
• Parasites : Attacks of parasites such as toxoplasmosis, schistosomiasis, and Strongyloides can cause parasite infections that spread to the brain. These parasites are transmitted by contaminated food or cat faeces.
• Immune System Disorders : People with a weakened immune system are at a heightened risk of brain infections, as any infection in the body can spread rapidly. Individuals suffering from HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) have a greater risk of invasive fungal infections.
• Secondary Brain Infections : Severe ear infections, sinusitis, and head trauma can also spread to the brain and the CNS. These are secondary brain infections that can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

What are the prevalent types of brain infections?

Brain infections are classified based on their underlying cause and location. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the types of brain infections:

1. Encephalitis : Viral infections caused by viruses such as herpes and shingles can lead to swelling and inflammation of the brain, known as encephalitis. Autoimmune encephalitis involves antibody-mediated brain inflammation, distinct from infectious encephalitis.
2. Meningitis : Either bacteria or viruses can cause meningitis, which results in inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Bacterial meningitis is a severe disease that requires prompt medical attention. It can also rarely result from a fungus or a parasite. The various bacteria that contribute to upper respiratory tract infections can spread to the brain through blood circulation. Bacteria can also invade the membranes directly, resulting in a brain infection.
3. Transverse Myelitis : The diffusion of the protective coating of nerves known as the myelin sheath causes transverse myelitis. It can also be caused by an autoimmune disease or infection caused by a virus, bacteria, fungi, or parasites. It can’t be cured completely; only the symptoms can be managed through treatment.
4. Cerebral Abscess : A brain abscess is the accumulation of pus in the brain tissues due to infections caused by bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus), fungi (e.g., Aspergillus), or parasites (e.g., Toxoplasma). It is commonly known as a brain abscess and can be a potential complication of surgery or brain trauma. People with weak immune systems are at a higher risk of developing brain abscesses.

What are the Common Symptoms of Brain Infections?

Inflammation is the body's natural response to an infection. Due to brain or spinal cord swelling, brain infections can show physical and neurological symptoms. These symptoms will differ based on the type and severity of the infection.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the common symptoms for various types of brain infection:

• Encephalitis: Headache, changes in behavioural patterns, hallucinations, changes in the level of consciousness.
• Meningitis: Extreme headache, stiff neck, sudden onset of fever, photophobia, nausea, and vomiting.
• Transverse Myelitis: Dysfunction in the bowel and bladder, weakness in the arms and legs, shooting pain, tingling, and numbness.
• Cerebral Abscess: Intense headache, high temperature, alterations in behaviour, nausea, and vomiting.

How to Prevent a Brain Infection?

Brain infections can’t be avoided completely, but steps can be taken to reduce the risk of infection. Effective preventive measures include vaccination, proper hygiene practices, and necessary precautions.

Various bacterial infections can be prevented with vaccination. Here are a few vaccines available:

• Meningococcal vaccines provide immunity against N. meningitidis.
• Pneumococcal vaccines help prevent S. pneumoniae infections.
• HIB vaccines provide protection against Haemophilus influenzae type B (HIB).

Proper hygienic practices can help to protect against viral and bacterial infections that can spread to the brain. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, avoid sharing personal items with others, and maintain good hygiene practices while cooking and eating.

Early detection and prompt medical intervention can help in treating brain infections. Identifying the type of infection and the underlying cause can assist in preparing an effective treatment plan. Consult a medical professional immediately if you experience persistent symptoms.

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