What is herpes simplex encephalitis?
Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) is a rare neurological disorder characterized by inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). Common symptoms include headaches, fevers, drowsiness, hyperactivity, and/or general weakness.
What does the word Encephal mean?
brain
Encephal- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “brain.” It is often used in medical terms, especially in anatomy.
Which of the following are symptoms of encephalitis?
These are the most common symptoms of encephalitis:
- Headache.
- Mild flu-like symptoms (aches, fatigue, slight fever)
- Sensitivity to light.
- Neck stiffness.
- Sleepiness or lethargy.
- Increased irritability.
- Seizures.
- Changes in alertness, confusion, or hallucinations.
Where can I get meningoencephalitis?
The viruses and bacteria that cause meningitis can be spread through:
- sneezing.
- coughing.
- kissing.
How do you treat HSE?
Treatment of HSE If treatment with a drug called Aciclovir (which reduces replication of the virus) can be started during the first few days of the illness (48 hours), patient outcome is substantially improved. Before Aciclovir, the risk of death from HSE was 70-80%.
What does the word root Arthr mean?
joint
Arthro-: A prefix meaning joint, as in arthropathy and arthroscopic. Before a vowel, it becomes arthr-, as in arthralgia and arthritis. From the Greek word arthron for joint. Ultimately from an Indo-European root meaning to join or to fit together.
What virus causes encephalitis?
The most common causes of viral encephalitis are herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, varicella zoster virus and enteroviruses, which cause gastrointestinal illness. Encephalitis can also result from certain viruses carried by mosquitoes, ticks and other insects or animals such as: West Nile virus.
What are the key points about herpes meningoencephalitis?
Key points about herpes meningoencephalitis. Herpes meningoencephalitis is an infection of the brain and brain covering (meninges) caused by the herpes simplex virus. It is a medical emergency that requires treatment right away.
What is meningoencephalitis and what causes it?
Sometimes the meningoencephalitis occurs during the initial infection with the herpes simplex virus, but most often it is caused by reactivation of the virus from an earlier infection. What are the symptoms of herpes meningoencephalitis? If you have viral meningitis, symptoms may include fever, light sensitivity, headache, and a stiff neck.
What is herpes encephalitis?
Herpes simplex encephalitis is a rare neurological condition that is characterized by inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). People affected by this condition may experience a headache and fever for up to 5 days, followed by personality and behavioral changes; seizures; hallucinations; and altered levels of consciousness.
What are the modes of transmission of meningoencephalitis?
Common modes of transmission (spread of the disease) for the bacteria that can cause meningoencephalitis include: Coughing or sneezing (HIB and S. pneumoniae) Kissing or close contact in which saliva is shared (N. meningitidis) Viral meningoencephalitis caused by the herpes simplex type 1 and the herpes virus type 2 is often transmitted by: