Encephalitis Flashcards
(20 cards)
• Is an inflammation of brain tissue, with the most common
cause being viral infection.
• It can arise from protozoan, bacterial, fungal or viral
invasions.
Encephalitis
are the most frequent cause, followed by
arbovirus.
Enteroviruses
Is an inflammatory process of the CNS
producing altered function of various
portions of the brain and spinal cord.
Encephalitis
Dn ga affect ang encephalitis? 3 kabilog
the cerebrum, the brainstem
and the cerebellum
Etiology:
Encephalitis
can occur
as a result
of:
1.
2.
(1) direct invasion of the CNS by a
virus
(2) postinfectious involvement of the
CNS after a viral disease.
Encephalitis has 2 forms:
Primary Encephalitis
Postinfectious(parainfectious) Encephalitis
The virus directly infects and
damages brain tissue
Direct viral infection
The body’s immune system
reacts to the infection, releasing inflammatory
substances that can cause further damage.
Immune response
Inflammation
leads to swelling and damage to brain structures,
disrupting normal brain function.
Brain swelling and dysfunction
What are the Clinical manifestations of Encephalitis
Onset: sudden or gradual
• Malaise
• Fever
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Apathy
• Neck stiffness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Ataxia
• Tremors
• Hyperactivity
• Speech difficulties
What are the Clinical manifestations of Encephalitis
Onset: severe cases
high fever
stupor
seizures
disorientation
spasticity
coma (may proceed to death)
ocular palsies
paralysis
What are the Complications of Encephalitis 6 kabilog
- Coma
- Epilepsy
- Parkinsonism
- Behavioral and
personality changes - Mental retardation
- Contractures
and pressure ulcers
Assessments nga himuon if may encephalitis ang patient:6 kabilog
• Headache
• High temperature
• Ataxia (loss of usual muscle
movements)
• Muscle weakness or paralysis
• Diplopia
• Confusion
• irritability
Diagnostic
studies
1. History collection (4 kabilog)
o Head injury
o Middle ear infection
o Sinus infection
o Recent
immunization
• If meninges are also involved, signs of meningeal irritation may
be present: 3 kabilog
a. Nuchal rigidity
b. Positive Brudzinski or Kernig
sign
c. The child becomes increasing lethargic and eventually
comatose
What therapeutic management ang himuon sa patient nga may encephalitis?
Anti-pyretic & mechanical ventilation
Medications for encephalitis 4 kabilog
• Medications such as:
o Acyclover (Zovirax) – an antiviral agent
o Carbamazepine (Tegretol) – an anticonvulsant may be prescribed
o Steroid such as dexamethasone
o Osmotic diuretic such as mannitol – may be needed to decrease brain edema
and ICP.
In nursing interventions Comfort measures to reduce headache
include:
o Dimming the lights
o Limiting noise
o Administering analgesic agents
• The primary form of the disease occurs when
a virus
invades and replicates within the brain
Most common viral agents in primary Encephalitis is
Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
