Signs, prevention and treatment of tick-borne encephalitis. Symptoms and treatment of an encephalitis tick bite in humans When symptoms of encephalitis appear after a tick bite

– dangerous viral disease, which can lead to defeat nervous system, paralysis and death. It is transmitted through the bites of ixodid ticks - parasites from the family of arthropods that live in almost all climatic zones. To prevent complications and unpleasant consequences, you need to detect the bite in time and take appropriate measures. How to understand what symptoms of illness people have if they are bitten by a tick, how many days do the first signs of infection appear after the bite, and what to do if they are detected?

Ixodid ticks are members of a family of arthropods that includes 650 species, distributed throughout the world except the North Pole. These are one of the hardiest creatures, capable of fasting for long periods of time and withstanding temperature changes. In appearance, they are a little reminiscent of spiders - the size ranges from 0.5 to 2 cm, the body is round, red, brown or brown, and there are 4 pairs of legs on it.

They stick to skin victims and can remain on them for several days (sometimes 2-3 weeks), feeding on their blood. After this, they disappear on their own and hide for several weeks.

With an individual reaction to tick saliva, a mild allergic reaction of a local nature is possible - slight redness, inflammation and itching. If the tick falls off on its own, it is almost impossible to determine the fact of the bite, since no traces remain on the person’s skin.

Photo

The photo below shows what the area looks like after a tick bite, with characteristic signs on the human body.

How quickly does the disease manifest in a person?

The incubation period of the disease in humans lasts from several days to two weeks; less often, the first signs of infection appear a month after the bite. Clinical picture depends on the age and health of the person, as well as the type of virus that caused the infection. The classic picture includes two stages, each of which has specific symptoms.

Initial signs in children and adults

The danger of tick-borne encephalitis lies in the fact that there are no specific signs in the first stages. An attached tick can easily be confused with a mole or wart, and after it falls off, a small red spot remains, on which a drop of blood may appear.

On the second day, redness usually increases, mild itching and rash may occur, but in an adult healthy person After a bite, the signs are mild. If the wound becomes infected, slight suppuration may occur.

Elderly people, children and allergy sufferers suffer the most from tick bites. In such cases, severe allergic reactions up to Quincke's edema.

The first symptoms usually develop after a few days. They resemble ARVI or severe cold, but occur without respiratory manifestations (cough, runny nose, sore throat). Sometimes the first phase of tick-borne encephalitis is confused with severe poisoning, especially in cases where it is accompanied by severe vomiting. The main differences are that patients do not have diarrhea, which is characteristic of such conditions. Sorbents like activated carbon also do not have an effect, since the pathogen is not in digestive tract, but in the blood.

If you do not consult a doctor after the first symptoms appear, the disease will progress to the second stage, which is characterized by more severe symptoms and often leads to serious complications.

First phase

In the first phase, there are no specific signs - patients have fever, headaches, muscle and joint pain, and deterioration in general health.

Temperature increase. Typically, the temperature during infection rises to high numbers - 38-39 degrees. In rare cases, a clinical course of encephalitis is possible, accompanied by a slight fever - 37-37.5 degrees;
Pain. Painful sensations in people infected with the virus they are quite pronounced - they are localized in large muscle groups and joints. They resemble the sensations after intense physical activity or during inflammatory processes. In addition, there are sharp headaches without a specific localization, spreading to the entire head;
Deterioration in health. Signs associated with intoxication of the body and deterioration in general health include weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, and sometimes nausea and vomiting. In some cases, patients have decreased arterial pressure, tachycardia occurs, lymph nodes enlarge, dizziness is observed.

The first phase of encephalitis lasts from 2 to 10 days (on average 3-4 days), after which remission occurs and symptoms recede. Between the first and second phases it can take from several hours to several days. Sometimes the clinical course is limited to one phase, the first or second, and in some cases the clinical course is characterized by the presence of symptoms of both stages simultaneously.

Second phase

The absence of symptoms does not mean recovery - the further course of the disease depends on the body’s response to the virus. In 30% of cases, recovery occurs, but in 20-30% of patients, the second stage of encephalitis occurs, characterized by damage to the central nervous system.

Its symptoms include:

stiffness of the neck muscles;
intolerance to bright light and loud sounds;
movement disorders up to paresis and paralysis;
disturbances of consciousness, hallucinations, incoherent speech;
coma.

The severity of symptoms and the duration of the phases depend on various factors, including the course of the disease. “Western” encephalitis, which is common in Europe, has a favorable course and rarely leads to serious consequences.

“Eastern” subtype (typical for the territory Far East), proceeds violently and has a high mortality rate. It begins abruptly, with severe fever, headaches and severe intoxication, and damage to the nervous system develops within 3-5 days. Patients experience severe damage to the brain stem, respiratory and circulatory disorders, which often results in death. Sometimes encephalitis progresses to chronic form, and then periods of remission alternate with exacerbations.

In case of recovery (either independently or as a result of treatment), the person receives lifelong immunity. With a repeated bite, it is impossible to become infected with encephalitis, but do not forget that ticks carry about a dozen other dangerous ones, and the risk of infection by them remains.

Forms of the disease in humans

Symptoms and clinical course of tick-borne encephalitis depend on the form of the disease. To date, 7 varieties of the disease have been described, which are combined into two groups - focal and non-focal.

Feverish. It occurs without damage to the nervous system, resembles ARVI and does not cause serious consequences.
Meningeal. The most common form of the disease, accompanied by symptoms that resemble meningitis (stiff neck muscles, photophobia, disturbances of consciousness).
Meningoencephalitic. The clinical course is characterized by meningeal signs and symptoms of brain damage.
Polyencephalitic. Accompanied by damage to the cranial nerves, most often pathological process affects bulbar group– hypoglossal, glossopharyngeal, vagus nerves.
Poliomyelitis. A form of the disease that is diagnosed in 30% of patients, and got its name because of its similarity with polio. Causes malfunctions motor neurons horns spinal cord.
Polioencephalomyelitis. It is characterized by manifestations characteristic of the two previous forms - simultaneous damage to the cranial nerves and neurons of the spinal cord.
Polyradiculoneuritic. Manifested by a dysfunction peripheral nerves and roots.

Nonfocal (febrile and meningeal) forms of the disease occur most easily. The manifestations of the first do not differ from the common cold, and if the fact of a tick bite has not been recorded, the person does not even suspect that he has had tick-borne encephalitis. The meningeal form can be quite difficult, but it is also almost always cured completely, without serious consequences for health.

In other cases (with focal forms), symptoms and prognosis depend on clinical course illness - in mild cases possible full recovery In severe cases, the patient may become disabled or die.

What does a patient look like?

There are no external manifestations of tick-borne encephalitis - in the first phase it can be distinguished from other diseases without clinical trials impossible. In people who have been bitten, the face turns red, sometimes there are pinpoint hemorrhages on the whites of the eyes and mucous membranes, and tearing. IN severe cases intoxication and weakness are so severe that the person is unable to lift his head from the pillow. In the vast majority of cases, there is no rash throughout the body - a similar sign is observed only in allergy sufferers, young children and people with weakened immune systems.

Below are photos of people after being bitten by an encephalitis tick.

Changes appearance and behavior when a person is bitten by an infected tick manifests itself in the second stage, when the virus attacks the nervous system. Tick-borne encephalitis can be recognized by the following manifestations:

motor agitation, hallucinations, delusions;
dysfunction of facial muscles (the face looks distorted, one eye does not close, speech is impaired, the voice becomes nasal);
epileptic seizures;
change and constant lacrimation due to irritation of the mucous membrane, strabismus, impaired movement eyeballs;
minor muscle twitching, usually occurring after physical exertion, sometimes even minor;
a specific pose with a bent back and head hanging on the chest (the reason is weakness of the neck muscles, chest, hands);
weakness lower limbs, muscle atrophy (observed very rarely).

Even if there is characteristic symptoms An accurate diagnosis can only be made after comprehensive examination sick. Signs of tick-borne encephalitis resemble manifestations of other diseases associated with damage to the nervous system, tumor processes and other pathologies.

REFERENCE! A patient with tick-borne encephalitis does not pose a danger to others at any stage, since in human body the virus has reached its final stage of development and is unable to be transmitted further.

What are the consequences after illness?

Tick-borne encephalitis can cause serious complications, including death. With the Western subtype of the disease, the mortality rate is 2-3%, with the Far Eastern variety - about 20%.

With irreversible damage to the nervous system, the patient may remain partially or completely disabled. People who have had to deal with complications of tick-borne encephalitis experience paralysis, muscle weakness, epileptic seizures, persistent speech disorders.

It is impossible to restore impaired body functions, so the person and his loved ones will have to adapt to their condition and completely change their lifestyle.

Diagnostics

To make a diagnosis if tick-borne encephalitis is suspected, modern methods examination of the patient's blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Using serological testing to determine specific antibodies to the virus, it is possible to determine not only the fact of infection, but also clinical features its flow. Sometimes used PCR method And virological study, but they are considered less accurate and informative.

If the entire tick can be removed, it is placed in a clean container and delivered to the laboratory, where testing is carried out for the presence of the virus antigen. This option for detecting infection is considered optimal, since treatment can begin immediately, before the first symptoms appear.

IMPORTANT! The most dangerous forms of tick-borne encephalitis are those characterized by damage to the cranial nerves and brain matter. In case of disruption of the respiratory center and vascular system there is a serious threat to human life.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for tick-borne encephalitis. For several days after the bite, the patient can be administered drugs containing immunoglobulins, which have a pronounced therapeutic effect and prevent complications.

If symptoms of damage to the nervous system occur, a person must be urgently taken to a hospital, where supportive and symptomatic therapy is provided.

Corticosteroids are used for treatment anticonvulsants, drugs that normalize the functions of the nervous and cardiovascular systems, vitamins. In severe cases, tracheal intubation and artificial ventilation are necessary. During the rehabilitation period, patients are prescribed massage, physiotherapy, Spa treatment.

Protecting yourself from tick-borne encephalitis is much easier than dealing with the symptoms and complications of the disease. To do this, you need to take precautions while walking in nature, and after returning home, carefully examine your entire body. If, after spending time in a forest or park, a person’s temperature rises and their health worsens, they should immediately consult a doctor.

Tick-borne encephalitis is an acute viral disease of the nervous system. Its main sources are two types of ixodid ticks - taiga and European forest ticks. The peak incidence of encephalitis occurs in spring (May-June) and late summer and early autumn (August-September).

Tick-borne encephalitis is sometimes called differently - spring-summer, taiga, Siberian, Russian. Synonyms arose due to the characteristics of the disease. Spring-summer, because the peak incidence occurs in the warm season, when ticks are most active. The first peak of the disease is recorded in May-June, the second - at the end of summer.

If you are bitten by an encephalitis tick, the virus enters the bloodstream within the first minutes of contact. According to statistics, six ticks out of a hundred are carriers of the virus (at the same time, from 2 to 6% of people bitten can get sick from an infected individual).

The causative agent of tick-borne encephalitis is an RNA virus belonging to the Vlaviviridae family. There are 3 types of virus:

Far Eastern - the most virulent (can cause severe forms of the disease);
Siberian - less contagious;
Western - the causative agent of two-wave encephalitis - causes mild forms of the disease.

Bite ixodid tick is main reason occurrence . Due to damage to the body by a natural focal viral infection, which is dangerous for the membranes of the brain and spinal cord, meningitis and meningoencephalitis occur.

There are known cases of human infection with tick-borne encephalitis after consuming milk from tick-infected domestic animals. Therefore, you can only drink pasteurized or boiled milk.

Features of the tick-borne encephalitis virus are weak resistance to the action of high temperatures, disinfectants and ultraviolet radiation. So, when boiled, it dies after 2 minutes and cannot be stored in environment in hot sunny weather. However, when low temperatures it is able to maintain viability for a long time.

Incubation period

During a tick bite, some of the viruses begin to multiply in the subcutaneous tissue and tissue macrophages, while another part enters the blood and penetrates the vascular endothelium, The lymph nodes, parenchymal organs, in the tissue of the central nervous system, where they intensively multiply and accumulate. Treatment of tick-borne encephalitis is carried out using many groups of drugs that affect the virus itself and all parts of the pathological process.

Sometimes fulminant forms of tick-borne encephalitis are diagnosed (the first symptoms appear within a day) and protracted ones - the incubation period can include up to 30 days.

You should know that a patient with tick-borne encephalitis is not dangerous to others, as it is not contagious.

On average, the incubation period is 1-3 weeks, since the forms of development of the disease are different:

Lightning fast. With her initial symptoms appear already on the first day.
Lingering. In this case, the duration incubation period maybe about a month, sometimes even a little higher.

Symptoms of tick-borne encephalitis

Tick-borne encephalitis is a viral infection that initially occurs under the guise of a normal colds. It may go unnoticed by the patient, or may cause severe damage to the nervous system.

After a tick bite, the virus multiplies in tissues and penetrates the lymph nodes and blood. When the virus multiplies and enters the bloodstream, flu-like symptoms form.

Often the disease begins with the following symptoms:

an increase in body temperature to 39-40 C and with chills characteristic of this condition,
severe pain in the lower back and limbs,
pain in the eyeballs,
general weakness
nausea and vomiting,
consciousness is preserved, but there is lethargy, drowsiness, and symptoms of stupor.

When the virus enters the membranes of the brain, and then into the substance of the brain, symptoms of disturbances in its activity appear (neurological):

sensation of goose bumps, touches on the skin;
skin sensitivity disorders;
disturbances in muscle movements (first facial movements, then the ability to voluntarily make movements of the arms and legs is lost);
convulsive seizures are possible.

Violations may occur later:

cardiovascular system (myocarditis, cardiovascular failure, arrhythmia),
digestive system - stool retention, enlarged liver and spleen.

All of these symptoms are observed against the background of toxic damage to the body - an increase in body temperature to 39-40 degrees C.

The most common and noticeable signs encephalitis tick:

transient weakness of the limbs;
weakness of the muscle tissue of the cervical region;
feeling of numbness of the facial and cervical skin.

The outcome of tick-borne encephalitis occurs in the form of three main options:

recovery with gradual long-term recovery;
transition of the disease to a chronic form;
death of a person infected with tick-borne encephalitis.

After a tick bite infected with the encephalitis virus, it is necessary to carry out emergency prevention for 3 days.

Forms of tick-borne encephalitis

Currently, the following forms of the disease are distinguished:

Febrile form of tick-borne encephalitis

Tick-borne encephalitis in this form occurs with a predominance of a febrile state, which can last from 2 to 10 days. The most characteristic manifestations noted are headache, weakness and nausea. In this case, neurological symptoms are mild.

Meningeal

Meningeal, which proceeds relatively favorably. It begins, like any other manifestation, with the phenomena of intoxication of the body:

weakness,
increase in body temperature,
sweating

Then symptoms of brain damage appear (occipital headaches, vomiting, fear of light and impaired reflexes). Within two to three weeks they appear typical symptoms.

Meningoencephalitic

Meningoencephalitis is characterized by a two-wave temperature reaction. Each wave lasts from 2 to 7 days. At intervals of 1-2 weeks. The first wave occurs with general toxic symptoms, and the second with meningeal and cerebral signs. The course of this form is favorable, observed fast recovery and no complications.

Poliomyelitis form

It is observed in 30% of patients. It begins with general lethargy of the whole body, observed within 1-2 days. Accompanied by the following symptoms:

weakness in the limbs, which can subsequently lead to numbness;
characterized by pain in the neck;
all violations described in the previous forms are possible;
the ability to hold the head in an upright position disappears;
loss of movement in the hands.

Motor pathologies progress over 1-1.5 weeks. From the beginning of the second to the end of the third week, the muscles begin to atrophy.

Polyradiculoneuritic form

It is observed rarely, in no more than 4% of cases. In addition to the symptoms of meningitis, with the development of this variant of tick-borne encephalitis, severe paresthesia (tingling) appears in the limbs and strong sensitivity in the area of the fingers. Sensitivity is impaired central departments bodies.

As you can see, the signs of this disease can be completely different. Some forms of encephalitis are quite difficult to diagnose. That is why it is extremely important to consult a doctor in time, preferably before the appearance of disorders of the nervous system.

Signs of tick-borne encephalitis in children

The main symptoms and signs of tick-borne encephalitis in children include:

the first sign of tick-borne encephalitis is headache, expressed by a rise in body temperature;
sleep disorders;
eyeball disorders;
disorders of the vestibular apparatus.

The best measure to prevent tick-borne encephalitis in children and adults has been and remains vaccination. Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis is recommended for everyone who lives in or stays in epidemic areas.

Complications and possible consequences

The consequences of an encephalitis tick bite cannot be called pleasant. You can endlessly list why the encephalitis tick is dangerous and what its attack is fraught with.

Complications:

Memory impairment.
Headache.
Full or partial violations movements and/or sensitivity in the limbs, facial area.
Decreased muscle strength and volume (usually the upper shoulder girdle).

Diagnostics

The only answer to the question: what to do if suddenly bitten by an encephalitis tick is to deliver the patient to the nearest infectious diseases hospital as soon as possible.

When making a diagnosis of tick-borne encephalitis, it is necessary to take into account a combination of three factors:

clinical manifestations(symptoms),
epidemiological data (time of year, whether the vaccine was given, whether there was a tick bite)
laboratory tests (analysis of the tick itself - optional, blood test, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, etc.).

I would especially like to note the fact that the virus can be detected in the tick itself. That is, if you are bitten by a tick, you must take it to a medical facility (if possible).

To accurately confirm the diagnosis, it is necessary to determine specific antibodies:

immunoglobulin class M for encephalitis (IgM) – the presence indicates an acute infection,
IgG - the presence indicates contact with an infection in the past, or the formation of immunity.

If both types of antibodies are present, this is a current infection.

All patients with tick-borne encephalitis must be examined for It is possible to become infected with both infections at the same time.

Treatment

An effective treatment method for tick-borne encephalitis in early stage detection is considered anti-encephalitis immunoglobulin therapy. Also most useful for successful recovery inactivated vaccine and ribonucleic acid (RNA). Timely vaccination and protection against ticks – effective methods preventing the complex course of the disease.

When prescribing treatment, they are guided by the principle of symptom relief. Therefore, medications are mainly prescribed to maintain the body. It includes:

antipyretics,
detoxifying drugs,
vitamins,
normalizing medications water balance body.

The patient is prescribed strict bed rest. Scheme specific treatment depends on the time that has passed since the first symptoms appeared.

Patients are discharged within 14-21 days normal temperature. Dispensary observation turns out to be an infectious disease specialist and neurologist for 1 year after a febrile form with examination once every 6 months. After other forms of the disease - 3 years with quarterly examination.

Forecast

The meningeal and febrile form of the disease proceeds favorably in most cases. Meningoencephalitic, poliomyelitis and polyradiculoneuritic are significantly worse. Fatalities make up 25-30%.

The consequences of tick-borne encephalitis can be decreased memory, headaches, and paralysis.

Prevention of tick-borne encephalitis

Prevention of tick-borne encephalitis is carried out in two directions:

vaccination is the most reliable protection against tick-borne encephalitis are their own antibodies, which are produced in response to vaccination. Traditionally, they are held in advance in the autumn-winter period.
preventive measures (nonspecific prevention).

TO preventive measures also include:

refusal to consume dairy products that have not undergone heat treatment during the warm season;
timely vaccination (can be carried out both in the autumn-winter period and within 4 days after detecting a tick on oneself - for this purpose, different types vaccines);
wearing clothing that covers the body (it is better to go out into nature in clothes with long sleeves and pants, the head should be covered with a cap);
promptly consult a doctor if any insects are detected (removing ticks on your own is not recommended at all);
use of tick repellents;
after returning home, you need to take off all your clothes and immediately take a shower, then you need to carefully examine your clothes “from the forest” and your body for ticks.

If you find a tick embedded in your skin on your body, immediately seek help from medical workers– they will remove the insect and carry out anti-encephalitis vaccination.

Content

The first signs of tick-borne encephalitis

Even less common is itching and hardening in the muscles, which disappear within a week. After the incubation period, signs of encephalitis after tick bites become more obvious. There are:

fever – a sharp increase in temperature to 38-40 ° C;
chills;
prostration;
headache;
nausea, urge to vomit;
loss of appetite;
aches and muscle pain;
redness of the mucous membranes of the throat and eyes;
sleep disorder - insomnia.

Signs

The virus, transmitted by insects, is able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and, together with the bloodstream, reach everyone internal organs. Most often, the central nervous system, spinal cord and blood vessels suffer from encephalitis. Due to the similarity of symptoms, encephalitis caused by a tick bite is often confused with a pre-stroke condition, respiratory viral disease and other pathologies.

Symptoms of an encephalitis tick bite may vary depending on the form of the disease:

The febrile form is characterized by signs of intoxication of the body - elevated body temperature, chills, and other symptoms viral infection. This form is considered one of the favorable ones, because the infection does not affect the nervous system and quickly recedes after taking antiviral drugs.
Meningeal - occurs more often than the febrile form. The patient complains of severe headaches, which worsen when tilting the head or moving the body. After a tick bite, photophobia, nausea and severe vomiting may occur.
Meningoencephalic is one of the severe forms encephalitis. Characterized by the appearance of epileptic seizures, confusion or retardation of consciousness, paresis of the limbs. IN running forms Encephalitis may cause cerebral edema, loss of consciousness, coma.
Polyencephalic form. After a tick bite, severe fatigue, muscle twitching, and pain in the limbs are noted. When the facial and trigeminal nerves are damaged, the face appears tilted to one side, while it is painful for the victim to wrinkle his forehead and swallow food.
The polyradiculoneuritic form is associated with the appearance of signs of encephalitis, similar to radiculitis. A victim of a tick bite feels numbness or tingling in the limbs, complains of stiffness and impaired movement, pain along nerve endings. Without proper treatment, paralysis of the lower sections and shoulder girdle may occur.

Symptoms

People can experience the same diseases differently. Some suffer from a common cold, while others may go to work with a sore throat. In the case of encephalitis general state All patients have the same symptoms - severe weakness, fever, severe chills are noted. Signs of an encephalitis tick bite in a person may differ not only in the form of the disease, but also depending on the type of virus that has entered the blood.

Symptoms of the Far Eastern subtype after an encephalitis tick bite

The first signs of encephalitis after a tick bite begin to appear after 1-2 weeks. These include:

numbness, tingling of the extremities;
pain in the back, neck, lower back when moving;
photophobia, ripples in the eyes;
the appearance of a feeling of nausea, severe vomiting;
confusion;
decreased or complete loss of appetite;
headache;
sleep disturbance;
convulsions or paralysis.

European subtype

The appearance of flu-like symptoms - fever, feverish delirium, general weakness, redness of the face.
Lack of appetite, aversion to food, nausea and vomiting.
Signs of arthritis include stiffness of movement, stiffening of muscles in the morning.

After 5 days, the acute phase of European encephalitis subsides, and a noticeable improvement in well-being occurs. This is not a symptom of recovery. In a quarter of victims, the disease enters the second phase within 7-8 days after improvement. Signs of encephalitis after a tick bite in the acute stage:

joint and muscle pain;
muscle spasms in the back of the head and neck;
pain in the epigastric region (in the stomach, intestines, under the ribs);
fear of light, loud or sharp sounds;
epileptic seizures, convulsions;
paralysis of the shoulder and lumbar region.

Video

Encephalitis is a group inflammatory diseases brain substances that are infectious, allergic or toxic in nature. If a patient is diagnosed with a disease, he should be hospitalized immediately. In case of encephalitis, a person is placed in an infectious diseases or specialized neurological department and is prescribed strict bed rest and constant monitoring.

What is encephalitis

Encephalitis (lat. encephalitis - inflammation of the brain) is the name of a whole group of inflammatory processes that affect the human brain, appearing against the background of exposure to infectious pathogens and allergic agents, toxic substances.

Changes in nervous tissue during encephalitis are quite stereotypical, and only in some cases can signs of a specific disease be detected (rabies, for example). The significance for the body and the consequences of any inflammatory changes in the brain are always serious, so there is no need to once again remind us of their danger.

IN acute stage in the brain matter it causes inflammatory process, affecting the hypothalamus, basal ganglia, nuclei of the oculomotor nerves. IN chronic stage a toxic-degenerative process develops, most pronounced in the substantia nigra and globus pallidus.

The incubation period for encephalitis ranges from one to two weeks.

In case of encephalitis of any etiology, it is necessary complex therapy. As a rule, it includes etiotropic treatment (antiviral, antibacterial, antiallergic), dehydration, infusion therapy, anti-inflammatory treatment, vascular and neuroprotective therapy, and symptomatic treatment.

Classification

The classification of encephalitis reflects the etiological factors, associated clinical manifestations and course features.

Depending on the presence of inflammation of the meningeal membranes (linings of the brain), the following forms of encephalitis are distinguished:

isolated - in the clinic there are symptoms only of encephalitis;
meningoencephalitis - symptoms of inflammation of the meninges are also present in the clinic.

By localization:

cortical;
subcortical;
stem;
cerebellar damage.

According to the pace of development and flow:

fast;
spicy;
subacute;
chronic;
recurrent.

By severity:

moderate severity;
heavy;
extremely heavy.

Causes

Most often, encephalitis is caused by viruses - neuroinfections; sometimes it also occurs as complications of various infectious diseases.

A common cause of progression is neuroinfection. It is worth noting that the etiology of the disease directly depends on its type. Thus, the reasons for the progression of viral encephalitis are: the bite of infected insects (usually carried by mosquitoes or ticks), the penetration of influenza, herpes, and rabies viruses into the body.

Ways the virus enters the human body:

insect bite (hematogenous route);
with direct contact;
nutritional route;
airborne route.

Anyone can develop the disease, but older people and children are at risk. most at risk. Those who are also prone to the disease the immune system suppressed or weakened by some influence, for example during treatment for cancer, HIV infection or long-term use of steroids.

Symptoms of encephalitis

The disease usually begins with fever and headache, then the symptoms increase sharply and worsen - convulsions (fits), confusion and loss of consciousness, drowsiness and even coma are observed. Encephalitis can be seriously life-threatening.

Symptoms of encephalitis depend on many factors: the causative agent of the disease, its pathology, course and localization.

The disease in many situations manifests itself as aches and pain. Moreover, these unpleasant symptoms affect the entire body: joints, muscles.

However, there are symptoms common to all types of encephalitis:

headache - it is most often expressed in all areas of the head (diffuse), can be pressing, bursting;
nausea and vomiting that does not bring relief;
torticollis, tremor, seizures;
The main symptom of encephalitis is a sharp rise in temperature to high values(39–40°C);
oculomotor disorders: ptosis (drooping upper eyelid), diplopia (double vision), ophthalmoplegia (lack of eyeball movements);
Defeat is rarely possible facial nerve with the development of paresis of facial muscles, trigeminal nerve with pain in the face, isolated convulsions are possible.

Depending on the type of pathogen, the time interval between infection and the appearance of the first symptoms lasts from 7 to 20 days. During the latent period, the infection does not reveal itself; the presence of the pathogen can only be detected in a laboratory setting.

Other possible signs of encephalitis:

increased muscle tone;
involuntary movements (hyperkinesis);
strabismus, impaired movements of the eyeballs (ophthalmoparesis);
diplopia (double vision);
ptosis (drooping) of the upper eyelid;

Another characteristic feature- These are muscle twitches in humans. These twitches occur involuntarily. It is important to note that sometimes a person is bothered by numbness of the skin, which manifests itself in different parts bodies.

Types of encephalitis

Despite the variety of causes and types, its manifestations are quite stereotypical in severe cases of the disease, but if inflammation of the nervous tissue accompanies other ailments, then recognizing encephalitis as such is not so easy.

Epidemic encephalitis Economo(lethargic encephalitis A)

The causative agent is a filterable virus that has not been isolated to date. This type of virus is transmitted by airborne droplets.

Signs of developing epidemic encephalitis:

temperature rise to 38-39 degrees;
chills;
increased drowsiness;
fatigue;
lack of appetite;
headache.

IN in this case urgent hospitalization is required. The exact duration of the incubation period is unknown, so all those in contact with a sick person should be monitored for three months.

Tick-borne encephalitis

Herpetic

Herpetic encephalitis is caused by a virus herpes simplex. The cortex and white matter big brain. A necrotic process occurs (focal or widespread).

Polyseasonal

Multiseasonal encephalitis is usually caused by ECHO. The disease can develop at any time of the year, is manifested by headache, moderate fever, paresis may develop for a short time (partially impaired motor function individual muscles).

Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis encephalitis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with AIDS. The gateway of infection is often the digestive organs, although there are known cases of intra-laboratory infections with highly virulent strains of Toxoplasma when the skin is damaged (with a pipette or syringe with a Toxoplasma culture). Common symptoms include chills, fever, headache, seizures, depression and neurological disorders.

Japanese (encephalitis B)

This type of encephalitis is especially common in Asian countries. The reservoir and source of infection are wild and domestic animals, birds, and rodents. Animals carry the infection in a latent form with rapid elimination of the pathogen from the blood. A sick person, if there are carriers, can also be a source of infection.

In general, Japanese encephalitis is diagnosed very rarely; there have never been epidemics. The onset of the disease is characterized by elevated temperature body, headaches and chills.

Complications and consequences for humans

The consequences of encephalitis are very severe - the inflammatory process affects the central nervous system, which can lead to disability of the patient.

The main complications of encephalitis:

cerebral edema;
cerebral coma;
development of epilepsy;
lifelong carriage of the virus;
impaired vision, speech, hearing;
memory impairment;
flaccid paralysis;
cystosis;
mental disorders;
risk of death.

Encephalitis is fraught with danger in relation to the full life of the patient; it can cause not only disability, but also death of the patient.

Diagnostics

To diagnose encephalitis, a spinal tap is performed. To clarify the diagnosis and differential diagnosis the fundus of the eye is examined, electroencephalography, echoencephalography, tomography, etc. are performed. When a diagnosis is made, the patient must be hospitalized in the infectious diseases or neurological department.

Also needed:

general and biochemical tests blood tests, urine tests,
blood culture for sterility,
puncture to obtain cerebrospinal fluid,
conducting REG or EEG, fundus examination,
performing CT or MRI,
if necessary, a biopsy is performed.

Treatment of encephalitis

An infectious disease doctor diagnoses and treats the disease in children and adults. If the diagnosis has been confirmed, the patient is immediately admitted to a hospital, infectious diseases department. Strict bed rest is indicated. The patient's condition is constantly monitored.

When treating encephalitis, specialists may be faced with the need to restore proper metabolism within the brain. For this purpose it is prescribed to use special vitamins, piracetam or polypeptides. Among the anti-inflammatory drugs, salicylates and ibuprofen are often prescribed.

Symptomatic therapy:

Antipyretic drugs
Anti-inflammatory (glucocorticoids)
Anticonvulsant therapy (benzonal, diphenine, finlepsin)
Detoxification therapy ( saline solutions, protein preparations, plasma expanders)
Resuscitation measures (ventilation, cardiotropic drugs)
Prevention of secondary bacterial complications (antibiotics wide range actions)

Recovery normal functioning nervous system and rehabilitation of consciousness, all kinds of biostimulants, antidepressants or tranquilizers are prescribed.

If the disease leads to impairment respiratory function, then artificial ventilation is performed. In addition, they are appointed anticonvulsants and analgesics.

Vaccines are the most effective method reducing the risk of developing the disease. In this case, we are talking not only about vaccinations against tick-borne encephalitis, but also about the prevention of pathologies such as measles, etc.

Therefore, you should not neglect vaccination (vaccination) against certain types encephalitis when traveling to areas with unfavorable conditions for this disease.

All encephalitis is treated in infectious diseases hospitals. In the chronic stage, it is necessary to regularly visit a neurologist, as well as take courses of medications aimed at improving brain activity and restoring ataxic and motor defects.

Prevention

Preventative measures taken to prevent different types encephalitis, differ and are represented by the following events:

Preventive measures that can, if possible, prevent infection with tick-borne and mosquito-borne encephalitis are preventive vaccination people living and/or working in areas of possible infection. Standard vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis includes 3 vaccinations and provides lasting immunity for 3 years.
Prevention of secondary encephalitis implies timely diagnosis and adequate treatment of infectious diseases.
Limiting tourist travel to countries where infection with viral encephalitis through mosquito bites is possible.

Let us consider in more detail what the disease is, as well as the symptoms and treatment of tick-borne encephalitis.
Ticks
These creatures look like insects, but they are not insects. Ticks, spiders and scorpions are classified as a separate class of arthropods - the arachnid family. The main difference between arachnids is the number of legs, of which they have 4 pairs. reaches no more than 3-4 mm in length.
On a note!
Treatment of tick-borne encephalitis is complicated by the lack of medications, capable of having a direct effect on the pathogen. Modern medicine does not have specific drugs that can kill dangerous virus. Therefore, quite often patients are interested in the question of whether tick-borne encephalitis can be treated.
All therapeutic measures aimed at alleviating symptoms and maintaining the body. It is possible to cure the disease using the following dosage forms:
antiviral drugs - Viferon, Roferon, Cycloferon, Amiksin;
antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, detoxification, dehydration, anti-shock, antiviral agents, as well as medications that affect blood microcirculation;
V acute phase For tick-borne encephalitis, B vitamins and antihistamines are used.

Emergency prevention, which is carried out after contact with an encephalitis tick. In this case, the patient is administered immunoglobulin in a standard dosage, and after 10 days the vaccination is repeated, but the amount of the drug is doubled.
Planned specific antiencephalitis prophylaxis of tick-borne encephalitis. Special vaccines are used for vaccinations. They are used twice with repeated revaccination.