Encephalitis is an acute inflammation of the brain. Encephalitis with meningitis is known as meningoencephalitis. Symptoms include headache, fever, confusion, drowsiness, and fatigue. More advanced and serious symptoms include seizures or convulsions, tremors, hallucinations, and memory problems.
Encephalitis can be classified in different ways depending on various factors, including the cause of the condition, the clinical symptoms, and the severity of the disease. Here are some common classifications of encephalitis:
By cause: Encephalitis can be caused by a variety of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Some of the common viruses that cause encephalitis include herpes simplex virus, West Nile virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, and Zika virus.
By symptoms: Encephalitis can also be classified based on the clinical symptoms that manifest in the patient. For example, some forms of encephalitis may cause fever, headache, nausea, and vomiting, while others may cause seizures, coma, and paralysis.
By severity: Encephalitis can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the severity of the symptoms and the impact on the patient's daily life.
By location: Encephalitis can also be classified based on the location of the infection in the brain. For example, some forms of encephalitis may affect the temporal lobes, while others may affect the brainstem or the cerebellum.
It's important to note that encephalitis is a complex condition, and classification can vary depending on the context and the individual patient.