Overview
Encephalitis is a serious condition involving inflammation of the brain, usually caused by viral infections, though bacteria, fungi, and autoimmune reactions can also trigger it. The inflammation can lead to neurological damage, seizures, and life-threatening complications if not promptly treated. South Korea provides advanced diagnostic tools, antiviral therapies, and intensive care to manage encephalitis effectively.
What is Encephalitis?
Encephalitis occurs when the brain tissue becomes inflamed, disrupting normal neurological function. The condition can be primary, caused directly by a virus infecting the brain (e.g., herpes simplex virus), or secondary, resulting from the body’s immune response following infections elsewhere. Encephalitis can affect anyone but is most severe in young children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals.
Symptoms
- Fever and headache
- Confusion, disorientation, or altered mental status
- Seizures
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Stiff neck
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weakness or paralysis in some cases
- Behavioral or personality changes
Causes
- Viral infections: Herpes simplex virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, West Nile virus, enteroviruses
- Bacterial infections: Rare, often secondary to meningitis or other bacterial infections
- Fungal infections: Mainly in immunocompromised patients
- Autoimmune encephalitis: The immune system attacks brain tissue, sometimes after viral infection
Risk Factors
- Infants, young children, and older adults
- Weakened immune system due to HIV, cancer, or immunosuppressive therapy
- Travel to areas with endemic viral infections (e.g., Japanese encephalitis)
- Exposure to mosquitoes or ticks carrying viruses
- History of recent viral infections
Complications
- Permanent neurological deficits (memory loss, cognitive impairment)
- Seizures or epilepsy
- Motor function impairment or paralysis
- Swelling of the brain (cerebral edema)
- Coma or death in severe untreated cases
Prevention
- Vaccination against preventable viruses (e.g., Japanese encephalitis, measles, mumps, rubella)
- Mosquito and tick bite prevention measures
- Avoid close contact with infected individuals
- Timely treatment of viral or bacterial infections
Treatment Options in Korea
South Korea offers comprehensive care for encephalitis, combining antiviral therapy, supportive care, and rehabilitation:
- Diagnosis
- Blood tests for viral or bacterial infections
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis via lumbar puncture
- Brain imaging: MRI or CT scan to detect inflammation
- Electroencephalography (EEG) for seizure activity
- Medication
- Antivirals: Acyclovir for herpes simplex virus encephalitis
- Antibiotics: If bacterial cause is identified
- Corticosteroids: To reduce brain inflammation in selected cases
- Anticonvulsants: To control seizures
- Supportive Care
- Intravenous fluids and electrolyte management
- Oxygen therapy for patients with respiratory compromise
- Monitoring in intensive care units for severe cases
- Rehabilitation
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy to recover lost functions
- Cognitive rehabilitation for memory and learning difficulties
- Hospitals and Clinics
Major Korean medical centers provide multidisciplinary encephalitis care, including infection specialists, neurologists, and rehabilitation teams.
