what can be side effects from Encephalitis?

Question

Before i had this my memory was fine now...its really bad

this happend to me back in 2000

Answer 1

As I'm sure you already know encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain that is usually the result of a viral infection. When the brain becomes swollen and irritated normal blood flow to the brain is altered, leading to symptoms like confusion, fever, and a severe headache. The most common cause in the United States believe it or not is the herpes simplex virus, the same virus that causes cold sores and genital herpes. Since your brain was swollen and most likely oxygen deprived I'm not surprised that you suffer from memory loss. You should check with your doctor to ensure that your memory loss is in fact attributed to your having had encephalitis and not related to any other disorder.
I wish you the best

Answer 2

You can learn more about encephalitis, from the people it has touched. Visit the website of Encephalitis Global, Inc. at www.encephalitisglobal.com where survivors, caregivers and loved ones share information and support, every day.

Answer 3

What exactly is encephalitis?
Encephalitis means, simply, inflammation of the brain and is usually a very rare consequence of a viral infection. Encephalitis is different from meningitis which is an inflammation of the layers which cover the brain (the meninges) although this also may be the result of a bacterial or viral infection.

How many types of encephalitis are there?
Essentially there are 2 types:

Acute Viral Encephalitis - in which the virus attacks the brain directly.
Post Infectious Encephalitis (also called Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis or ADEM ) – in which an infection outside the brain triggers the body's immune system to attack the brain.

What causes encephalitis?
The viruses responsible are often common viruses. They include measles, chicken pox, influenza, enteroviruses (tummy bugs) and herpes simplex I (the cold sore virus). In most cases the virus involved is not identified.

What are the main symptoms?
Encephalitis often begins with a “flu-like” illness or with headache. Symptoms indicating that this is a more serious illness follow later and typically include “alteration in level of consciousness”. These might include confusion, drowsiness, seizures (fits) and coma. Other symptoms can include aversion to bright lights, inability to speak or control movement, sensory changes, neck stiffness, uncharacteristic behaviour, as well as other symptoms depending on the area of the brain under attack.

How is encephalitis diagnosed?
Diagnosis of encephalitis is made where there is evidence of inflammation. The range of possible symptoms and their rate of development vary widely, and are not just found in encephalitis, so making the diagnosis can be difficult.

What tests are undertaken?
Lumbar puncture - to exclude bacterial meningitis and test for the herpes simplex virus.
Brain scans (CT or MRI) - to exclude brain tumours, aneurysms and strokes and show the extent of any inflammation.
Blood tests - to exclude metabolic encephalopathies.
It is not unusual for the results of tests to be “normal” , it is important to initially exclude some more common and treatable diseases.
How is encephalitis treated?
Prompt treatment with Acyclovir is important. Acyclovir is an anti-viral agent effective against herpes viruses. Although not always identified, herpes simplex I (the cold sore virus) is the commonest known cause of encephalitis in this country. There is no specific treatment, at present, for any other viruses infecting the brain. Other treatments may include anti-convulsants to control seizures and sedatives to reduce agitation. Intensive care with ventilation may also be necessary in severe cases to reduce swelling of the brain. Antibiotics may be given as a precaution to prevent bacterial infections.

Do people get better?
Nerve cells may be damaged or destroyed by the viral infection, the immune reaction and by pressure resulting from the inflammation. This damage is termed “acquired brain injury (ABI). Some loss of brain function is therefore a probable outcome of encephalitis. In some cases, however, this loss occurs on a relatively small scale resulting in very minor impairment, such as some loss in speed of thinking. In other cases damage can be extensive leading to significant impairments.

Recovery is a long and slow process. An initial period of convalescence with plenty of rest is recommended. This should be followed by a programme of graded activity and rest over 3 – 6 months giving the brain the opportunity to restore function. In more severe cases a period in a brain injury rehabilitation unit may be necessary.

What are the after effects?
There will be a wide variation in exactly in how encephalitis affects the person in the long term. Tiredness, recurring headaches, difficulties with memory, concentration and balance are often reported as are temper tantrums, mood swings, aggression and clumsiness. Epilepsy, as well as being a feature of the acute illness, may develop weeks or months after the illness has subsided. Physical problems may include weakness down one side of the body, loss of sensations and of control of bodily functions and movement. Speech and language problems are also common features. Speed of thought and reaction may be reduced.

I hope that answer your concern. Sorry to hear that you had this. Wish you early recovery.

Answer 4

Okay the only thing I could get out of my Medical Encyclopedia is Encephalolith. .. so, I'll tell you what it says about that. It's a calculus of the brain. The "Itis" part, is inflammation. so, there's definately swelling going on somewhere on your brain. Now, calculus, means: Any abnormal concretion, comonly called a stone, within the animal body. A calculus is usually composed of mineral salts. These pathological concretions can occur in the gallbladder, kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. In which all of those listed above, are down below, in our pelvic area. I was hit by a car, and thrown two large lanes, over, and listed as a "Jane Doe" in 2001, once I got to the hospitol.. even though my "then" husband told them who I was. They said she has to tell us who she is. And of course that took staples, surgeries, and 2 days before I could tell them who I was. But I have short-term memory loss from the hit. My shoes were even blown off of my feet. Wierd, hoh?! Thats how hard the guy hit me. I broke his windshield. and thrown into the Medium, thank-God. Because, had I not been thrown there, I'd of gotten finished off by another car, most likely.. It was night time, and I was wearing all black. My blonde hair would have been the only thing another car would have seen, so. God wasn't done with me yet. Just like he's not done with you.. Just belive God, this will all be okay. I'll say a prayer, for you, okay... Smile. Its only going to get better from here, and it can always be worse. Like my condition. Its taken me, 6 years of being out of work, and therapy, and I'm actually ready to start going back to work, again. But, I want to do it right this time. So, I'm now a full-time student. So, apparently God is helping me, with my memory. Because I'm passing in all of my classes.. So, just remember the girl from Answers, whenever satan tries to get you all bumbed-out, about all of this. And remember, you could be like her. But your not. Smile, Jesus loves you! And He is your comforter, in the midst of the storm. God Bless you!!!

Answer 5

I too suffer from this and my memory has changed drastically.