About Us | Privacy | Site Map
June 18, 2013
Font Size
A
A
A
«Previous
1
...
9
10
11
12
13
14
Next»

Encephalitis (cont.)

Medical Author:
Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD

Dr. Charles "Pat" Davis, MD, PhD, is a board certified Emergency Medicine doctor who currently practices as a consultant and staff member for hospitals. He has a PhD in Microbiology (UT at Austin), and the MD (Univ. Texas Medical Branch, Galveston). He is a Clinical Professor (retired) in the Division of Emergency Medicine, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, and has been the Chief of Emergency Medicine at UT Medical Branch and at UTHSCSA with over 250 publications.

View Full Profile
Medical Editor:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

View Full Profile

Encephalitis Prognosis

The outcome of the disease varies and depends on factors such as age, severity of the case, and strength of the immune system. For example, people who are HIV positive, have cancer, or other illnesses have a weaker immune system and are less able to withstand another disease. These patients have a wide range of outcomes that range from good to poor. In general, those people with mild cases and otherwise relatively good health will recover without any problems. Poorer outcomes can be summarized as follows:

  • The death rate for certain patients with viral encephalitis can be high.
  • The St. Louis encephalitis virus can cause death in up to 30% of the cases.
  • Japanese encephalitis can cause death rates that range from 0.3% to 60% of the people infected, usually within the first week of illness.
  • In untreated cases of herpes encephalitis, 50%-75% of people die within 18 months. Treatment with acyclovir (Zovirax) can increase survival up to 90%.

Must Read Articles Related to Encephalitis

Brain Infection
Brain Infection Our brain, the spinal cord, and its surrounding structures could become infected by a large spectrum of germs (that is, microorganisms). Bacteria and viruses ar...learn more >>
Lyme Disease
Lyme Disease Lyme disease, sometimes referred to as Lyme infection, is a bacterial illness, transmitted to humans by the bite of deer ticks (Ixodes ticks) carrying a bacteri...learn more >>
Meningitis in Children
Meningitis in Children Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that surround the spinal cord or brain. Bacterial or viral infection are the typical causes of meningitis. Sympto...learn more >>
See the Entire Encephalitis Topic Guide »
Print

Viewer Comments & Reviews

Encephalitis - Symptoms

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

What symptoms did you experience with your encephalitis?

View 7 Comments | Submit Your Comment
Print
Privacy Policy

WebMD Daily

Get breaking medical news.

Please acknowledge your agreement




Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Encephalitis »

Encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain parenchyma, presents as diffuse and/or focal neuropsychological dysfunction.

Read More on Medscape Reference »


Featured Topics

Topics Related to Encephalitis

Infection Topics

Medical Dictionary


or A-Z List
Use Pill Finder Find it Now

Pill Identifier on RxList

  • quick, easy,
    pill identification

Find a Local Pharmacy

  • including 24 hour, pharmacies