Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain that is usually caused by viruses, bacteria, or other pathogens. It presents with symptoms like headache, fever, confusion, and seizures. Risk factors include age, a weakened immune system, and living in certain geographic regions with mosquito-borne viruses. Diagnosis involves an MRI, EEG, spinal tap of cerebrospinal fluid, and blood or urine tests. Treatment depends on the severity but may include antiviral drugs, anti-inflammatory medications, fluids, and respiratory support. Prevention focuses on vaccination, insect repellent, and good hygiene.

1. Encephalitis
 PRESENTED BY:
Kean G. AGAPITO, RN

2. ENCEPHALITIS
• IS SUDDEN INFLAMMATION
(SWELLING) IN THE BRAIN.
• IT IS USUALLY CAUSED BY VIRUSES, BACTERIA, OR
OTHER PATHOGENS.

3. Causes
Herpes simplex virus
Other herpes viruses
Enteroviruses
Mosquito-borne viruses
Rabies virus
Childhood infections

5. RISK FACTORS
 Age. Some types of encephalitis are more prevalent or more severe in certain
age groups. In general, young children and older adults are at greater risk of
most types of viral encephalitis. Encephalitis from the herpes simplex virus tends
to be more common in people 20 to 40 years of age.
 Weakened immune system. People who have HIV/AIDS, take immune-
suppressing drugs, or have another condition causing a compromised or
weakened immune system are at increased risk of encephalitis.
 Geographic regions. Mosquito-borne or tick-borne viruses are common in
particular geographic regions.

6. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

8. DIAGNOSIS
 An MRI
(brain scan) can show
brain swelling, and also
show whether there are
other brain problems
causing a patient's
symptoms

9. DIAGNOSIS
 An EEG
(a picture of the brain's
electrical activity) will
show signals that are
not normal

10. DIAGNOSIS
 A lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
will show whether there is an
infection in the cerebrospinal
fluid (which bathes the brain
and spinal cord)

11. DIAGNOSIS
 Blood tests or urine tests may show whether
a person has encephalitis
 Samples of blood or urine, or of excretions
from the back of the throat can be tested
for viruses or other infectious agents.

12. TREATMENT FOR MILD CASES
•Bed rest
•Plenty of fluids
•Anti-inflammatory drugs— such as
acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen
(Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium
(Aleve, others) — to relieve headaches and
fever.

13. TREATMENT
Antiviral drugs
Cases of encephalitis due to certain viruses usually
require intravenous antiviral treatments. Antiviral drugs
commonly used to treat encephalitis include:
•Acyclovir (Zovirax)
•Ganciclovir (Cytovene)
•Foscarnet (Foscavir)

14. SUPPORTIVE CARE
Additional supportive care also is needed in the hospital for
people with severe encephalitis. The care may include:
•Breathing assistance
•Intravenous fluids
•Anti-inflammatory drugs
•Anticonvulsant medications

15.  Practice good hygiene
 Get vaccinations
Vaccines are available for mumps, measles,
rubella, and poliovirus (universal
immunization)
 Dress to protect yourself
 Apply mosquito repellent.
PREVENTION

16. THANK YOU! 