What is encephalitis in children?

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain. The inflammation causes the brain to swell. This leads to changes in a child's nervous system that can include confusion, changes in alertness, and seizures. Meningitis often happens at the same time as encephalitis. Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Both are serious and life-threatening and need to be looked at and treated right away.

What causes encephalitis in a child?

Researchers think that viruses are the main cause. Children are vaccinated against many viruses such as measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox. This has greatly lowered the rate of encephalitis from these diseases. But other viruses can cause it. These include herpes simplex virus, West Nile virus, and rabies. Encephalitis may happen after a viral illness. This may be an upper respiratory infection, or an illness that causes diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

Encephalitis can also happen after a bacterial infection such as Lyme disease, tuberculosis, or syphilis. It can also happen after an infection caused by parasites, such as toxoplasmosis.

Another cause is an autoimmune reaction. This is when the body's own immune system attacks the brain tissues. For example, an antibody made against a protein called an NMDA receptor may cause encephalitis. This may be triggered by a tumor.

Which children are at risk for encephalitis?

A child is more at risk if he or she has any of the following:

  • Upper respiratory infection
  • Illness that causes diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting
  • Measles
  • Mumps
  • Rubella
  • Chickenpox
  • Herpes simplex virus
  • West Nile virus
  • Rabies
  • Lyme disease
  • Tuberculosis
  • Syphilis
  • An infection caused by parasites, such as toxoplasmosis
  • An autoimmune reaction

What are the symptoms of encephalitis in a child?

Symptoms may occur a bit differently in each child. They can include:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Bulging of the soft spots on a baby’s head (fontanelles)
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Neck stiffness
  • Sleepiness
  • Lack of energy (lethargy)
  • Increased irritability
  • Seizures
  • Skin rash
  • Trouble talking and speech changes
  • Changes in alertness
  • Confusion or hallucinations
  • Loss of appetite
  • Unsteady walking
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Loss of consciousness (coma)

The symptoms of encephalitis can be like other health conditions. Make sure your child sees his or her healthcare provider right away for a diagnosis.

How is encephalitis diagnosed in a child?

The healthcare provider will ask about your child’s symptoms and health history. This includes questions about your child’s vaccine history. Tell the healthcare provider if your child has recently had a cold, other respiratory illness, or a digestive illness. Also tell the healthcare provider if your child has recently had a tick bite, been around pets or other animals, or has traveled.

Your child may also have tests, such as:

  • MRI. This test uses large magnets, radio waves, and a computer to make images of the inside of the body. In some cases, a special dye is injected into a vein for the test. This dye helps show organs more clearly.
  • CT scan. This test uses a series of X-rays and a computer to create images of the inside of the body. A CT scan shows more detail than a regular X-ray.
  • Blood tests. These may include a test for the NMDA receptor antibody and other antibodies.
  • Urine and stool tests. These are done to check for infection and other problems.
  • Sputum culture. This test looks at mucus that is coughed up from the lungs. This test is done to find out if your child has a lung infection.
  • Electroencephalogram (EEG).  This test records the brain's electrical activity through sticky pads (electrodes) attached to the scalp.
  • Lumbar puncture (spinal tap). This test uses a needle to help measure the pressure in the spinal canal and brain. The healthcare provider can also remove a small amount of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) to send for testing. CSF is the fluid that surrounds your child's brain and spinal cord. The fluid sample can help show if your child has an infection or other problems.
  • Brain biopsy. In rare cases, your child may need a biopsy. A small sample of brain tissue is removed to test for diagnosis.

How is encephalitis treated in a child?

Encephalitis needs treatment right away. A child needs to stay in the hospital where he or she can be closely watched.

Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.

The goal of treatment is to reduce the swelling in the head and to prevent complications. Your child may need to take medicines to stop the infection and control seizures or fever. In severe cases, your child may need to use a breathing machine (ventilator).

As your child recovers, he or she may need physical, occupational, or speech therapy. This will help your child regain muscle strength and speech skills.

The healthcare team will tell you how to best care for your child at home. Your child will likely need regular checkups with the healthcare provider after he or she gets home from the hospital.

Talk with your child’s healthcare providers about the risks, benefits, and possible side effects of all treatments.

What are the possible complications of encephalitis in a child?

Most children recover fully. But in some cases, children may have ongoing nervous system problems. These may include trouble with learning, thinking, speech, or movement. Your child may need regular follow-up with the healthcare provider. Your child may need speech, physical, or occupational therapy to recover.

When should I call my child’s healthcare provider?

Encephalitis is a serious and life-threatening condition that needs to be looked at and treated right away. If your child has symptoms, call your healthcare provider right away.

After treatment for encephalitis, call the healthcare provider if your child has:

  • Symptoms that don’t get better, or get worse
  • New symptoms

Key points about encephalitis in children

  • Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain. It causes the brain to swell. It is a serious and life-threatening condition that needs to be treated right away.
  • Experts think that viruses are the main cause. It can also happen after a bacterial infection. Or it may happen after an infection caused by parasites, such as toxoplasmosis.
  • Symptoms can include fever, headache, sleepiness, and changes in behavior.
  • A child needs to stay in the hospital where he or she can be closely watched. Your child may need tests such as an MRI, CT scan, or blood tests.
  • The goal of treatment is to reduce the swelling in the head and to prevent complications. Your child may need to take medicines to stop the infection and control seizures or fever. In severe cases, your child may need to use a breathing machine (ventilator).
  • As your child recovers, he or she may need physical, occupational, or speech therapy. This will help your child regain muscle strength or speech skills.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s healthcare provider:

  • Know the reason for the visit and what you want to happen.
  • Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
  • At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you for your child.
  • Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help your child. Also know what the side effects are.
  • Ask if your child’s condition can be treated in other ways.
  • Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
  • Know what to expect if your child does not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
  • If your child has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
  • Know how you can contact your child’s provider after office hours. This is important if your child becomes ill and you have questions or need advice.