Encephalitis is an acute inflammation of the brain, commonly caused by a viral infection. It can be caused by a bacterial infection such as bacterial meningitis, or may be a complication of other infectious diseases like rabies (viral) or syphilis (bacterial). Certain parasitic or protozoal infestations, such as toxoplasmosis, malaria, or primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, can also cause encephalitis in people with compromised immune systems. Brain damage occurs as the inflamed brain pushes against the skull, and can lead to death. Encephalitis occurs in two forms — a primary form and a secondary form. Primary encephalitis involves direct viral infection of your brain and spinal cord. In secondary encephalitis, a viral infection first occurs elsewhere in your body and then travels to your brain. Most people recover if they are treated promptly. But the illness can sometimes cause long-term problems, such as trouble with speech or memory. Encephalitis is swelling and irritation (inflammation) of the brain. Inflammation changes the normal blood flow in the brain. This can cause symptoms such as confusion, a fever, a bad headache, and a stiff neck. Sometimes it leads to symptoms like seizures and personality changes. Encephalitis is generally a viral illness. Viruses such as those responsible for causing cold sores, mumps, measles, and chickenpox can also cause encephalitis. A certain family of viruses, the Arboviruses are spread by insects such as mosquitoes and ticks. The equine (meaning horse), West Nile, Japanese, La Crosse, and St. Louis encephalitis viruses are all mosquito-borne. Although viruses are the most common source of infection, bacteria, fungi, and parasites can also be responsible. Encephalitis (pronounced: in-seh-fuh-lye-tus) is typically caused by three different groups of viruses. The herpes viruses is one group, and includes chickenpox, EBV (Epstein-Barr virus — the virus that causes mono), and herpes simplex (the virus that causes cold sores). The second group is made up of viruses and other germs that are transmitted by insects. Viruses like West Nile virus, which is transmitted through a mosquito bite, and the germs that cause Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which are transmitted thorough tick bites, can also cause encephalitis Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain. The usual cause is a viral infection, but bacteria can also cause it. Cases can range from mild to severe. For mild cases, you could have flu-like symptoms. Encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain parenchyma, presents as diffuse and/or focal neuropsychological dysfunction. From an epidemiologic and pathophysiologic perspective, encephalitis is distinct from meningitis, though on clinical evaluation the 2 often coexist with signs and symptoms of meningeal inflammation, such as photophobia, headache, or a stiff neck. Encephalitis cannot be prevented except to try to prevent the illnesses that may lead to it. Encephalitis that may be seen with common childhood illnesses like measles, mumps, and chickenpox can be largely prevented through proper immunization. Have your child immunized according to the immunization schedule recommended by your child's doctor. Children should also avoid contact with anyone who already has encephalitis. Encephalitis is inflammatory diseases of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord and are caused by bacterial or viral infections. Viral meningitis is sometimes called aseptic meningitis to indicate it is not the result of bacterial infection and cannot be treated with antibiotics. Symptoms of encephalitis include sudden fever, headache, vomiting, heightened sensitivity to light, stiff neck and back, confusion and impaired judgment, drowsiness, weak muscles, a clumsy and unsteady gait, and irritability. Symptoms that might require emergency treatment include loss of consciousness, seizures, muscle weakness, or sudden severe dementia. Read about Ask Questions, Share Answer. Also read about Natural Remedies, Natural Cure and Herbal Remedies and Home Remedies Natural Home Remedy