Definition:
Encephalitis is irritation and swelling (inflammation) of the brain, usually due to infections. See also: Meningitis
Alternative Names:
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Encephalitis is most often caused by a viral infection. Many types of viruses may cause it. Exposure to viruses can occur through: In rural areas, arboviruses -- carried by mosquitoes or ticks, or accidentally ingested -- are the most common cause. In urban areas, enteroviruses are most common, including: Coxsackievirus Echovirus Poliovirus
Other viruses that can cause encephalitis include: AIDS patients and others at high-risk can develop encephalitis due to parasites such as: Although most forms of encephalitis are caused by viruses, the condition may also be caused by bacterial diseases, such as: Extremely rarely, an allergic reaction to vaccinations can cause encephalitis. Autoimmune disease and the effects of cancer can also cause encephalitis. Encephalitis is uncommon. The elderly and infants are more vulnerable and may have a more severe case of the disease.
References:
Bleck TP. Arthropod-borne viruses affecting the central nervous system. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 406. Modlin JF. Enterovirus infections. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 402. Nath A. Berger JR. Acute viral encephalitis. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 439. Whitley RJ. Herpes simplex virus infections. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 397.
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