Encephalitis is a rare, serious brain infection with many possible causes. Its physical symptoms typically ease with hospital care and medications. But its effects on brain functioning can linger, affecting everyday life.
Encephalitis is a brain inflammation that occurs due to an infection such as a virus or bacteria, medication or immune system malfunction. Encephalitis is a rare, often serious condition that requires timely care.
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Encephalitis causes physical symptoms like fever, headaches and neck pain. It can also affect brain (cognitive) functioning, leading to confusion and behavior changes. In some cases, cognitive encephalitis symptoms linger long after physical symptoms go away.
Both conditions are uncommon but severe.
Some important differences are that:
The type of encephalitis you experience depends on the cause. And there are many causes, including:
You’ll likely experience physical and neurologic symptoms.
Physical symptoms may include:
Neurologic encephalitis symptoms may include:
The sooner you receive care, the better your chances of recovery. For mild encephalitis symptoms, your first step may be going to an urgent care center. For severe issues, like seizures and loss of consciousness, the best place to go for care is an emergency room.
Healthcare providers take many steps to diagnose brain infections.
Your care may include:
Testing helps healthcare providers:
Tests you may need include:
The brain infection treatments you need depend on the type of encephalitis and how severe it is.
You may need:
Treatments for autoimmune and viral encephalitis may start working in as little as a few days. But it can take a while for the brain to heal. Some people experience lasting cognitive effects that require rehabilitative therapies and lifestyle changes.
You can stay current with vaccines for diseases that cause encephalitis, such as the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) injection.
Traveling to certain countries can expose you to germs and diseases that are not common in the U.S. Some of these diseases can cause brain infections.
You may benefit from vaccines for:
The impact of autoimmune and viral encephalitis on brain functioning differs from person to person. Some people make a complete recovery.
Others experience long-lasting encephalitis symptoms that include:
For some people, they are. Rehabilitation can help you cope with changes in your abilities. It also enables you to regain as much functioning as possible.
Rehabilitation includes different types of therapies that help you learn how to:
You can maximize your well-being by paying careful attention to:
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Encephalitis is a brain infection that requires care in a hospital. After the infection goes away, you may experience lingering symptoms that affect brain functioning. Achieving your full recovery potential takes time. In some cases, months or years. Rehabilitation and good self-care can maximize your abilities and quality of life.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/30/2021.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy