Treatment
The goals of treatment are to provide supportive care (rest, nutrition, fluids) to help the body fight the infection, and to relieve symptoms. Reorientation and emotional support for confused or delirious people may be helpful.
Medications may include:
- Antiviral medications, such as acyclovir (Zovirax) and foscarnet (Foscavir) — to treat herpes encephalitis or other severe viral infections (however, no specific antiviral drugs are available to fight encephalitis)
- Antibiotics — if the infection is caused by certain bacteria
- Anti-seizure medications (such as phenytoin) — to prevent seizures
- Steroids (such as dexamethasone) — to reduce brain swelling (in rare cases)
- Sedatives — to treat irritability or restlessness
- Acetaminophen — for fever and headache
If brain function is severely affected, interventions like physical therapy and speech therapy may be needed after the illness is controlled.
Prognosis (Expectations)
The outcome varies. Some cases are mild and short, and the person fully recovers. Other cases are severe, and permanent impairment or death is possible.
The acute phase normally lasts for 1 – 2 weeks. Fever and symptoms gradually or suddenly disappear. Some people may take several months to fully recover.
Complications
Permanent brain damage may occur in severe cases of encephalitis. It can affect:
- Hearing
- Memory
- Muscle control
- Sensation
- Speech
- Vision
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have:
- Sudden fever
- Other symptoms of encephalitis
-
Encephalitis : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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Encephalitis : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Encephalitis : Treatment
Review Date : 9/28/2008
Reviewed By : Jatin M. Vyas, PhD, MD, Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only — they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2010 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
