Symptoms of Encephalitis

The symptoms of encephalitis are a lot like those of flu. Some people may also experience symptoms similar to those of stomach infection. There is also a small group of those who do not experience any specific symptoms of the condition. In the early stages of encephalitis, the symptoms of the condition may be very mild and almost unnoticeable. Some of the most common symptoms of encephalitis include:

Low-grade mild fever
Mild and dull headaches
Low levels of energy
Lack of appetite
The person may have uncoordinated movements and a very unsteady gait
General clumsiness
Disorientation, dizziness and confusion
Drowsiness and fatigue
Sensitivity to light and sounds
Inability to control temper
Irritability
Pain and stiffness in the neck and the back
Nausea and vomiting
Stiffness in the body
Babies may be very irritable and may also cry often. They are fussy and become irritable when you pick them up.
Babies may also not feet well and have a bulge on their head, usually around the soft spot.

There are some symptoms, which are indications of a medical emergency. If a person experiences any of the following symptoms, they should be rushed to the emergency room immediately:

Stupor or loss of responsiveness
Unconsciousness and coma
Paralysis or weakness in the muscles – especially in the limbs
Seizures and fits
Poor mental functioning
Amnesia
Severe headaches and migraines
Impaired judgment
Inappropriate moods
Self-centeredness
Withdrawal from social situations
Lack of interest in every day activities
Abnormal reflexes and poor responses to stimuli
Confusion and irritability
Ulcers in the mouth and the tongue
Stiffness in the neck and muscle weakness
Increased intracranial pressure
Rashes on the skin
Blurred speech
Liver or lung failure

Causes

Diagnosis