Encephalitis (cont.)
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Medical Treatment
Encephalitis is usually a viral illness, which means that antibiotics are not used to treat it. The only available vaccine for prevention is for Japanese encephalitis.
- With the exception of herpes encephalitis, the mainstay of treatment is symptom relief. People with encephalitis are kept hydrated with IV fluids while monitoring for brain swelling. Anticonvulsants can be given for seizure control. Steroids have not been established as being effective.
- Herpes encephalitis can cause rapid death if not diagnosed and treated promptly. Therefore, medication is usually started when the doctor suspects herpes to be the diagnosis without waiting for the confirmatory results. The recommended treatment is acyclovir (Zovirax) given by IV for 2-3 weeks. Acyclovir-resistant herpes encephalitis can be treated with foscarnet (Foscavir). Liver and kidney functions are monitored through the course of medication.
- Currently, the use of ribavirin (Rebetol, Virazole) in the treatment of a child with La Crosse encephalitis is being studied.
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Important Safety Information
Vimpat (lacosamide) is a medicine that is used with other medicines to treat partial onset seizures in patients 17 years of age and older with epilepsy. Vimpat is generally well-tolerated, but may not be for everyone. Ask your doctor if Vimpat is right for you. Antiepileptic drugs, including Vimpat, may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a very small number of people, about 1 in 500. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have new or worsening symptoms of depression, any unusual changes in mood or behavior, or suicidal thoughts, behavior, or thoughts about self harm that you have never had before or may be worse than before. Please see additional patient information in the Medication Guide at the end of the full prescribing information. This information does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your condition or your treatment. Please see additional Patient Safety Information
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Encephalitis »
Encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain parenchyma, presents as diffuse and/or focal neuropsychological dysfunction.
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