encephalitides

encephalitis

[ensef′əlī′tis] pl. encephalitides

Etymology: Gk, enkephalos, brain, itis, inflammation

an inflammatory condition of the brain. The cause is usually an arbovirus infection transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito, but it may be the result of lead or other poisoning or of hemorrhage. Certain protozoal infections such as toxoplasmosis can cause encephalitis in immunocompromised patients. Postinfectious encephalitis occurs as a complication of another infection, such as chickenpox, influenza, or measles, or after smallpox vaccination. The condition is characterized by headache, neck pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Neurologic disturbances, including seizures, personality change, irritability, lethargy, paralysis, weakness, and coma, may occur. The outcome depends on the cause, the age and condition of the person, and the extent of inflammation. Severe inflammation with destruction of nerve tissue may result in a seizure disorder, loss of a special sense or other permanent neurologic problem, or death. Usually the inflammation involves the spinal cord and brain; hence, in most cases a more accurate term is encephalomyelitis. Compare meningitis. See also equine encephalitis.

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encephalitides

plural of encephalitis.