ENCEPHALITIS

Encephalitis refers to the inflammation of the brain, which may manifest as a mild illness, or may result in severe dysfunctioning of the brain, causing death or permanent disability.

SYMPTOMS: The onset is usually sudden, with high fever, persistent headache and vomiting. However, a temporary headache with high fever or a few vomits at the onset can be associated with any fever, so all children with such symptoms should not be thought of as having encephalitis. Later, the child may start having convulsions, develop mental confusion or become unconscious. Paralysis of the eye muscles, blindness and speech disturbances may develop. In some mosquito-borne cases of encephalitis, the clinical features of encephalitis may be associated with severe joint pains and a bleeding tendency. 

TREATMENT: Children with encephalitis need hospitalisation. There is no specific treatment available. The child is given full support in the hope that he will come out of it on his own. Those suffering from encephalitis due to herpes simplex infection may benefit from an expensive drug named acyclovir.

PREVENTION: As mosquitoes can carry the disease, adequate steps may be taken to protect the child from mosquito bites.

11 February, 2013