Encephalitis Treatment

Immediate, aggressive encephalitis treatment is recommended for anyone suspected of having the condition. Treatment for very mild cases of encephalitis may involve being monitored at home by a physician and a caregiver. For more severe cases, encephalitis treatment may involve hospitalization. For patients who experience severe brain inflammation, treatment may involve physical, speech, and occupational therapy once the acute illness is under control.

Information on Encephalitis

An Overview of Encephalitis Treatment

People who are suspected of having encephalitis should receive immediate, aggressive encephalitis treatment. Encephalitis can progress quickly and has the potential to cause severe, irreversible neurological damage.

Medications for Encephalitis Treatment

Treatment for very mild cases of encephalitis may include being monitored at home by the physician and a caregiver.

Supportive care as part of encephalitis treatment includes:

Fluids
Bed rest
Over-the-counter analgesics to reduce fever and headache.

Antiviral drugs (including either acyclovir or ganciclovir) may be used for viral encephalitis treatment.

For more severe cases, encephalitis treatment may involve hospitalization. Anticonvulsants may be prescribed to stop or prevent seizures, and sedatives may be used to calm more severely infected people. Certain drugs may be used to counter nausea and vomiting. Corticosteroids and intravenous administration of carbohydrate solutions can reduce brain swelling. Patients with breathing difficulties may require artificial respiration.

Complementary Therapy and Encephalitis Treatment

For patients who experience severe brain inflammation, encephalitis treatment may involve physical, speech, and occupational therapy once the acute illness is under control.

(Encephalitis Treatment Continued: Page 2)