Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)

Encephalitis is a collective term that unites an extensive group of inflammatory diseases. All forms of pathologies of this group are similar in that the inflammatory process affects the substances of the brain. At the same time, encephalitis is divided into primary and secondary and is also classified depending on the mechanism of development:

• allergic;
• infectious;
• infectious-allergic;
• toxic, etc.

As for the primary and secondary nature of the disease, the first case includes, for example, tick-borne and Japanese mosquito encephalitis. Secondary forms of the pathological process develop as a complication after illnesses such as measles or influenza.

Almost all types and forms of encephalitis are prone to rapid progression. There is a risk of severe complications in each case because we are talking about damage to brain structures. Possible complications include cerebral edema, epileptic syndrome, cerebral coma, neurological disorders, etc. For this reason, a patient with encephalitis requires adequate treatment, followed by full rehabilitation, taking into account the consequences of the disease.

Causes of encephalitis

Given the variety of forms of encephalitis, the causes of this disease’s development are extensive and diverse. The most common causes and predisposing factors include:

• through the bite of a parasitic insect;
• against the background of diseases such as measles, influenza, chickenpox, mumps, etc.;
• as a result of damage to the body by the herpes virus;
• after vaccination (measles vaccine, DPT, and others).

Treatment

The tactics of treating encephalitis depend on the form of the disease, the causes of its occurrence, the severity of the course, and other factors. The treatment process must be started as early as possible, preventing severe progression of the disease and the development of serious complications.

Treatment of encephalitis is carried out by conservative methods, among which the most effective are:

• maintenance of water and electrolyte balance and homeostasis;
• taking angioprotectors;
• taking medications whose action is aimed at stimulating the metabolic processes of the brain;
• taking anti-inflammatory drugs;
• the appointment of funds for dehydration to prevent cerebral edema;
• hormone therapy, which also allows you to achieve anti-inflammatory, dehydrating, and desensitizing effects;
• antiviral drugs – this treatment option is relevant for encephalitis of viral etiology.

Symptomatic therapy is no less critical for encephalitis; in this case, the drugs depend on the characteristics of the clinical picture. Patients require anticonvulsants, antipyretics, lytic mixtures, biostimulants, metabolic agents, etc.

Rehabilitation of patients with encephalitis

As in the case of treatment, the rehabilitation process largely depends on the characteristics of the clinical case, the form of encephalitis, and the aftereffects of the disease. Creating an environment conducive to the patient’s natural recovery is essential. Some recovery areas need to be adjusted and stimulated so that a person can return to their previous life as quickly and comfortably as possible.

For these reasons, in Kliniken Schmieder, highly qualified rehabilitation doctors carry out rehabilitation after encephalitis treatment. Our specialists develop rehabilitation programs individually. In the case of encephalitis, this approach allows you to affect the cognitive, behavioral, social, physical, and emotional spheres.

Depending on the complications and characteristics of the course of the disease, rehabilitation programs for patients with encephalitis include:

• Maintenance therapy – is aimed mainly at stimulating microcirculation processes. Drug electrophoresis, vasodilator drugs, or transcranial electroanalgesia can be used.
• Physiotherapy practices – a physiotherapist works individually with the patient and develops a program of classes and exercises. We are talking about methods of physical therapy, activities in water and other practices focused on fully restoring motor functions lost or affected by the disease. Massage, acupuncture, and other courses are conducted for the same purposes.
• Neuropsychology – many patients with encephalitis, require the help of a neuropsychologist to recover from brain damage. To do this, special techniques, exercises, and computer technologies are used to start recovering lost functions and stimulate the acquisition of new skills.
• Treatment of speech disorders – such classes involve individual work with an experienced speech therapist. Depending on the nature of the impairment, the patient may need to restore the ability to pronounce certain sounds. In more severe cases, a speech therapist can develop a program to build muscle structures, for example, those responsible for swallowing.

Psychological rehabilitation is especially relevant for patients who have experienced severe complications. Such consequences of the disease can be a challenge. Working with a psychologist or psychotherapist, both individual and group, allows you to overcome the crisis period and gives a person strength and a desire for recovery.

Rehabilitation programs at Kliniken Schmieder are distinguished by the flexibility, variability, and professionalism of the specialists who develop and supervise them. Thanks to this, it can systematically cope with fatigue problems, replenish the body’s energy supply, and fight the consequences of paresis, impaired coordination, and other dysfunctions.