Acute encephalitis – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatments

Encephalitis

An acute inflammation in the brain tissues, most commonly caused by viral infection. Sometimes the body’s immune system can cause inflammation (swelling) in the brain tissue.  

Acute is a medical term that defines the need for immediate medical care. Acute encephalitis is a serious condition of encephalitis. Acute also indicates the rapid growth in the severity of the diseases.  

Acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) 

Acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) is a common health problem which affects people of all age groups and genders. AES also causes death in human beings. It is characterised by inflammation in the brain tissues.

The inflammation of the brain is caused by a viral infection or by the body’s immune system. In most cases, inflammation is caused by a viral infection.  

The viral infection is caused by the Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus, a vector-borne viral disease that spreads through mosquito bites. Acute encephalitis or AES is also known as Chamki fever or Litchi virus.

Causes of acute encephalitis syndrome

Apart from the Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus, the cause of acute encephalitis syndrome can come from several sources, including fungus, parasites, toxins, chemicals and other infections. In addition, toxoplasmosis and leptospirosis can also cause AES.  

Symptoms of acute encephalitis syndrome

Acute encephalitis syndrome can develop in people of all ages but is common in young children. The common symptoms of acute encephalitis syndrome include the following.

• Headache
• A rise in temperature (Fever)
• Muscle and joint pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Confusion
• Seizures
• Neck and back pain
• Fatigue
• Drowsiness
• Problems with speech or hearing

An increase in severity can lead to memory loss, paralysis, coma and even death.  

Diagnosis of acute encephalitis  

Consult the doctor as soon as possible. After the discussion of family history with the doctor, there is a physical examination. Then, the following test will be used for further diagnosis.  

Brain imaging tests including CT scans or MRIs give a clear picture of brain tissues. To rule out the cause of the symptoms, like swelling in the brain or other health conditions.

A spinal tap or lumbar puncture is made in the lower back, in the lumbar region. A needle is inserted into the lower back to collect the small amount of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The cerebrospinal fluid protects the brain and spinal column, so the difference or changes in the fluid can indicate infection or inflammation in the brain. The use of spinal tap tests extends to identify the virus or other infection.  

The electroencephalogram (EEG) aids in measuring the electrical activity of the brain through small electrodes attached to the scalp. The abnormalities in the result help to diagnose the diseases.  

Brain biopsy is a rare test performed at the time when the severity of the disease increases at a high rate or if the treatment does not improve the disease condition. In a brain biopsy, a sample of brain tissue is removed for testing.  Other lab tests, such as blood tests, urine tests and so on, come to the page when the need for further diagnosis arises.  

What is the treatment for acute encephalitis diagnosis? 

The treatment options for acute encephalitis vary depending on the severity of the disease. Antibiotics and antiviral medications are used as the first step of diagnosis. Consulting a doctor is necessary as acute as encephalitis may lead to death. The doctor will look for suitable treatment to cure the disease.  

Vaccine for acute encephalitis syndrome 

Acute encephalitis syndrome is a public health problem that is reported in India. It causes acute-onset of fever and a change in mental status like mental confusion, disorientation, delirium or coma. Other symptoms include a new onset of seizures at any time of the year.   

The disease commonly affects children and young adults. Two doses of JE vaccination are provided under Universal immunization, first at 9-12 months along with measles and second with DPT booster at 16-24 months in JE endemic areas.  

Inactivated Vero cell culture-derived Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine is the only approved vaccine for acute encephalitis syndrome.

Japanese encephalitis vs. acute encephalitis syndrome

As mentioned, Japanese encephalitis is a vector-borne virus disease. The disease is caused by a Group of B arbovirus (Flavivirus) and transmitted through a mosquito bite.  

Acute encephalitis syndrome is the inflammation of the brain tissues. Even though the causes vary according to geographical location, the major cause of the syndrome is found to be a viral infection caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV).

Complication of acute encephalitis syndrome 

Acute encephalitis affects the brain, which is an important organ that helps coordinate the whole body’s function. So, if untreated, acute encephalitis can cause brain-related complications, such as

• Memory loss
• Paralysis
• Coordination problems

Prevention of acute encephalitis syndrome

Getting vaccinated proved to be great prevention for acute encephalitis. Two doses of JE/AES vaccination exist for this disease. Other than vaccination, practising health hygiene and proper sanitation can reduce the risk of acute encephalitis syndrome.

Conclusion

If the symptoms and severity of the encephalitis turn up to high, then it leads to acute encephalitis syndrome. AES is a life-threatening condition, so the diagnosis at an early stage becomes important. Hence, go for regular health check-ups.

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