What is encephalitis?

Encephalitis is a swelling (inflammation) in the brain. It is usually caused by a virus. The normal blood flow to the brain changes. This can cause confusion, a high fever, and a severe headache. Your child also may be sleepy and sensitive to light and may have nausea and a stiff neck and back. In the most serious cases, a child may have seizures or tremors.

Your doctor may prescribe medicine to help your child's body get rid of the virus. Your child may have some symptoms for several weeks or longer while their body slowly heals. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy to help your child get stronger and active again.

Symptoms may include confusion, a high fever, and a severe headache. You also may be sleepy and sensitive to light. And you may have nausea and a stiff neck and back. In more serious cases, a person may have seizures or tremors.

Encephalitis needs to be treated in a hospital. You may be treated with an antiviral medicine, such as acyclovir. Antiviral medicine may make symptoms less severe, especially if you get the medicine right away.

You'll also get supportive care to ease your symptoms and allow your body to heal on its own. You may take medicines to reduce pain and fever or to stop seizures. Some people may need a machine called a ventilator to help them breathe.

You may have some symptoms for several weeks or longer while your body slowly heals. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy. This can help you get stronger and active again.

• Ask your doctor if you can give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for pain and discomfort. Do not use ibuprofen if your child is less than 6 months old unless the doctor gave you instructions to use it. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20. It has been linked to Reye syndrome, a serious illness.
• Do not give your child two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
• Have your child drink plenty of fluids. If your child has to limit fluids because of a health problem, talk with your doctor before you increase how much your child drinks.
• Make sure your child eats a healthy, balanced diet and gets plenty of rest to help their body heal.
• Keep the lights dim if your child's eyes are sensitive to light.

Encephalitis is a swelling (inflammation) of the brain. It's usually caused by a virus. The normal blood flow to the brain changes, and this can cause symptoms. Encephalitis is not common, but it can be deadly if it's not treated right away.