Encephalitis Lethargica

Encephalitis lethargica is a disease characterized by high fever, headache, delayed physical and mental response, and lethargy. The cause of this disease is unknown. Treatment for encephalitis lethargica is based on the symptoms a person has. Levodopa and other antiparkinson drugs often produce dramatic responses in patients with this condition.

 

An Overview of Encephalitis Lethargica

Encephalitis lethargica is a disease characterized by:
 
  • High fever
  • Headache
  • Double vision
  • Delayed physical and mental response
  • Lethargy.
     
In acute cases, patients may enter a coma.
 
Patients with encephalitis lethargica may also experience:
 
  • Abnormal eye movements
  • Upper body weakness
  • Muscular pains
  • Tremors
  • Neck rigidity
  • Behavioral changes (including psychosis).
     

What Causes Encephalitis Lethargica?

The cause of encephalitis lethargica is unknown.
 

Epidemic of Encephalitis Lethargica

Between 1917 and 1928, an epidemic of encephalitis lethargica spread throughout the world, but no recurrence of the epidemic has since been reported.
 
Postencephalitic Parkinson's disease may develop after a bout of encephalitis lethargica -- sometimes as long as a year after the illness.
 

Treatment for Encephalitis Lethargica

Treatment for encephalitis lethargica is based on the symptoms experienced by a patient. Levodopa and other antiparkinson drugs often produce dramatic responses in encephalitis lethargica patients.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD