Encephalitis- This is a medical disorder in which there is inflammation of brain as a result of some form of medical condition. When there is an inflammation of brain as an after effect of a bout of measles, mumps etc., then a condition arises called Post-Infectious Encephalitis. In this article, we will discuss in greater detail about Post-Infectious Encephalitis.
How Do We Define Post-Infectious Encephalitis?
The meaning of Encephalitis is inflammation of brain. This inflammation can occur as a primary illness or as a result of some another illness. If this Encephalitis occurs after a bout of infection then it is called as Post-Infectious Encephalitis. This is a pretty rare form of disease condition.
Causes of Post-Infectious Encephalitis
Primary Encephalitis is a medical condition in which the infectious agent like a bacteria or virus directly enters the central nervous system or the brain. This is generally caused from mosquitoes or ticks. Post-Infectious Encephalitis is also a disease condition of central nervous system but it generally occurs as a rare complication of some form of viral illness or as a result of some vaccines. Post-infectious Encephalitis generally develops after a bout of chickenpox, measles, or vaccination against measles.
Symptoms of Post-Infectious Encephalitis
Some of the Symptoms of Post-Infectious Encephalitis are As Follows:
- Headaches
- Fever
- Neck stiffness
- Alteration in level of consciousness
How Soon After the Exposure Does the Symptoms of Post-Infectious Encephalitis Are Seen?
Post-Infectious Encephalitis generally occurs within a week to 10 days after symptoms of viral illness are seen like measles, chickenpox etc. Post-Infectious Encephalitis as a result of a vaccine may develop approximately three weeks after the vaccination.
Diagnosis of Post-Infectious Encephalitis
There is no definitive way to diagnose this condition. MRI of the brain helps a long way in confirming the diagnosis. The MRI will reveal multifocal asymmetrical lesions throughout the white matter on T2 and FLAIR sequences.
Treatment for Post-Infectious Encephalitis
The first line of treatment for Post-Infectious Encephalitis is high-dose intravenous steroids. Plasma exchanges and intravenous immunoglobulins have also been reported to be beneficial in Post-Infectious Encephalitis.
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- Alexopoulos, H., & Dalakas, M. C. (2012). A critical update on the immunopathogenesis of stiff person syndrome. European Journal of Clinical Investigation, 42(12), 1342-1348. https://doi.org/10.1111/eci.12002
- Daley, K., Morin, J., & Miller, N. R. (2018). Neurologic complications of vaccinations. Journal of Neuro-Ophthalmology, 38(4), 528-538. https://doi.org/10.1097/WNO.0000000000000774
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Also Read:
- Encephalitis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Complications, Diagnosis, Risk Factors, Prevention
- St. Louis Encephalitis: Transmission, Symptoms, Treatment, Causes, Prevention, Risk Factors
- Western Equine Encephalitis: Causes, Signs, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention
- What is Limbic Encephalitis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Recovery, Disability Benefits, Prognosis
- Rasmussen’s Encephalitis: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Diagnosis
