INFECTIOUS ENCEPHALITIS Meaning and
Definition
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Infectious Encephalitis refers to a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the brain, resulting from a viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infection. Encephalitis specifically refers to the swelling or inflammation of the brain tissues, which can lead to a wide range of symptoms and potential complications.
This form of encephalitis is considered infectious since it is caused by the invasion of pathogens or organisms into the brain cells, typically through the bloodstream or the nervous system. The infections that can cause this condition include viral infections such as herpes simplex virus, enteroviruses, or arboviruses like West Nile virus; bacterial infections like Lyme disease or tuberculosis; fungal infections like cryptococcosis; and parasitic infections like toxoplasmosis or malaria.
The symptoms of infectious encephalitis can vary depending on the specific pathogen involved and the severity of the infection. Common symptoms may include high fever, headache, confusion, altered consciousness, seizures, sensory disturbances, muscle weakness, or behavioral changes. In severe cases, it can lead to coma, paralysis, and even death.
Diagnosis of infectious encephalitis typically involves a combination of physical examination, medical history review, laboratory tests, brain imaging, and sometimes a lumbar puncture to analyze the cerebrospinal fluid. Treatment often includes antiviral or antibiotic medications, depending on the underlying cause, as well as supportive care to manage symptoms.
Overall, infectious encephalitis is a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention to diagnose and effectively treat the underlying infection, minimize brain inflammation, and prevent potential complications.
Common Misspellings for INFECTIOUS ENCEPHALITIS
- unfectious encephalitis
- jnfectious encephalitis
- knfectious encephalitis
- onfectious encephalitis
- 9nfectious encephalitis
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- ibfectious encephalitis
- imfectious encephalitis
- ijfectious encephalitis
- ihfectious encephalitis
- indectious encephalitis
- incectious encephalitis
- invectious encephalitis
- ingectious encephalitis
- intectious encephalitis
- inrectious encephalitis
- infwctious encephalitis
- infsctious encephalitis
- infdctious encephalitis
- infrctious encephalitis
Etymology of INFECTIOUS ENCEPHALITIS
The word "encephalitis" has its roots in two Greek words: "enkephalos" meaning "brain" and "-itis" meaning "inflammation". So, "encephalitis" literally translates to "inflammation of the brain".
The word "infectious" refers to the ability to spread or be transmitted from one organism to another. In the context of "infectious encephalitis", it signifies that the inflammation of the brain is caused by an infectious agent such as a virus, bacteria, or other microorganism.
Therefore, the term "infectious encephalitis" combines the Latin word "infectiosus" (meaning "infectious") with the Greek word "encephalitis", indicating an inflammation of the brain caused by an infectious agent.
