Inflammatory process in the head symptoms. Encephalitis of the brain: causes, diagnosis and treatment methods

Inflammation of the meninges is a disease that occurs due to damage or spread of pests. Pathology appears due to bacteria, viruses and protozoa. The occurrence of the disease can occur in different forms and is called meningitis. It has various symptoms and causes. The disease is divided into several types, differing in whether the inflammation of the membrane occurred - hard or soft. In any case, timely treatment is required. But first, a study of the cerebrospinal fluid is performed.

Characteristics and causes of pathology

The concept includes a number of inflammatory diseases of the brain. Inflammation of the brain develops as a result of the penetration of a pathogen into the human body or as a result of allergic phenomena. The main reason for the development of the disease is neuroinfection.

Microbes and viruses interfere with the activity of nerve fibers, neurons and blood vessels, negatively affecting work nervous system. Signs of intoxication appear, the membrane and certain areas of the brain are affected.

Depending on the affected area, meningitis and encephalitis are distinguished. Meningitis is accompanied by inflammation of the cerebral cortex, which develops as a result of hypothermia, the penetration of fungi, viruses, and bacteria. Encephalitis is a serious condition in which the brain becomes inflamed. The disease is characterized by severe course and high mortality.

Encephalitis can be primary or secondary. The source of infection in the primary form is usually insects. An infected individual bites a person, then the virus spreads through the bloodstream to the brain and other organs. This form manifests itself as a result of the rabies virus (from the bite of an infected dog), herpes, influenza, and Coxsackie. Microbial encephalitis is formed as a result, for example, of syphilis.

Based on the causes of the primary form of the disease, epidemic, tick-borne, herpetic, mosquito, and viral encephalitis are distinguished.

DTP vaccination, smallpox and rabies vaccines can cause the development of encephalitis.

Since vaccination can cause brain pathology in infants, a thorough examination of newborns by a pediatrician and neurologist is necessary.

Secondary encephalitis forms as a complication of another disease: toxoplasmosis, malaria, measles, rubella. You can become infected through airborne droplets or through consumption of contaminated food.

Risk factors

There are several factors that increase the risk of pathology:

• children under 1 year of age, elderly people;
• presence of virus herpes simplex;
• decreased immune status;
• summer-autumn period, when insect carriers of neuroinfection are most active.

Based on the location of the pathogen, subcortical, cerebellar, mesencephalic, and brainstem encephalitis are distinguished.

Treatment with traditional methods

Meningitis of the dura mater, soft mater, and arachnoid mater is life-threatening, so treatment should be carried out under the supervision of a physician. Over time, there is a risk of complications occurring, which slows down the healing process. Traditional methods are perfect, which have their pros and cons.

Fresh baths are effective mineral water, massage. Procedures must be performed regularly, because only then will they bring results. They should be chosen on the recommendation of a doctor. Each method has its own characteristics, which should be taken into account before choosing. Only a specialist can prescribe any procedures, which guarantees a quick recovery.

Use of enzyme-stimulating methods

Treatment of hard and soft shells occurs through a variety of means. But first, a study of the cerebrospinal fluid is performed. One of the popular procedures is peloidotherapy. Thanks to chemical compounds, the nervous system is restored and carbohydrate and lipid metabolism is improved. Mud applications on damaged areas are effective. The duration of the procedures is half an hour, and the entire treatment takes 12 sessions.

To treat the hard shell, thalassotherapy is used, in which chemical components enter the skin, which is required for recovery. This is necessary to restore many brain functions. Blood circulation and microcirculation in tissues improves. Thalassotherapy is performed with a low cold load.

Treatment of hard shells is carried out using fresh baths, which are needed for general strengthening of the body. Thanks to a warm bath, heat flow is normalized. Heat transfer is noticeably restored. Sessions are performed with fresh water, and for full recovery a course of 15 procedures is required.

Ion correction methods

Mineral waters will help eliminate meningitis. The microelements they contain improve many processes in the body. The respiratory system of the blood is restored, which is required in the treatment of the hard shell.

Water should be consumed half an hour before meals. This should be done three times a day. Treatment involves performing sessions over 4 weeks.

Effective methods of therapy

Meningitis is treated in a hospital setting. It is advisable to begin the procedures as early as possible. The period and form of treatment is influenced by the type of complication. Commonly used:

• antibiotics;
• detoxification therapy;
• B vitamins, ascorbic acid;
• oxygen therapy.

Folk remedies

Treatment of the hard shell with folk remedies is not carried out. But there are methods to alleviate the condition. Peace and darkness in the room is necessary. The forehead and limbs should be wrapped in a cool towel. They help herbal infusions and infusions.

To prepare the remedy you will need lavender (3 tsp), which is poured with boiling water (2 cups). The decoction is infused for about 10 minutes. You should drink ¼ of it every hour.

Healthier is cranberry infusion, which is prepared from berries (10 g) and water. The product should be infused in a thermos. After straining, you should drink it 3 times a day, 1/3 cup.

Treatment of the hard shell is performed with poppy decoction. You will need poppy seeds (1 tbsp) and hot milk (1 glass). The finished product should sit for half a day. After this, you can drink ¼ glass 3 times a day.

Prevention

Meningitis is easier to prevent than to treat. Prevention involves following simple safety rules:

• washing hands before eating;
• availability of personal utensils and other things;
• protection from insects that spread infection;
• control of the immune system;
• prohibition of self-medication.

It is necessary to get rid of bad habits, as they negatively affect the general condition of the body. Nutrition should be complete, so you need to eat foods rich in vitamins and microelements. Their shortages during the demi-season periods should be compensated using proven means. Work should alternate with rest. Treatment should be carried out only under the supervision of a doctor.

To prevent meningitis, children aged 2 months and older are vaccinated. Vaccination is performed up to 4-5 years of age. It provides reliable protection against inflammation, so you shouldn’t give it up. By following simple methods, you can protect the body from serious inflammations that require long-term treatment.

Types of disease

Each type of pathology is characterized by certain signs and a special course of the pathological process.

Epidemic

Another name is lethargic. Diagnosed in both children and adults. Symptoms manifest themselves in a sharp increase in temperature, intense headaches, and pain in the joint tissue.

The patient experiences confusion, delusions, and hallucinations. Later, squint, difficulty breathing, and excessive sweating are added.

Kleshchevoy

The frequency of detection of this species increases in spring and summer, when infected ticks are most active. The causative agent of the disease is transmitted through the bite of an encephalitis tick.

Once ingested, the infection enters the brain through the bloodstream. The person begins to be afraid of bright light, pain in the head increases, and vomiting develops. Numbness of the limbs occurs, muscle structures are paralyzed.

Komariny

Another name for the species is Japanese. Infected mosquitoes transmit the virus. The disease is accompanied by high body temperature, vomiting, and confusion. Tremors of the limbs and convulsive seizures are recorded. The species is characterized by a high mortality rate.

Flu-like

Develops as a complication of influenza. Manifested by nausea, headache, weight loss, weakness. The disease often puts the victim in a comatose state.

Measles

Since measles is a childhood disease, this type of encephalitis is characteristic of children. Inflammation of the brain begins to develop several days after measles.

The patient becomes weaker, develops a feverish state, and suffers from epileptic attacks. The disease damages the nerves of the skull, causing paralysis and myelitis.

Inflammation of the brain - symptoms

Initial symptoms of encephalitis may be nonspecific. Fever, chills, muscle and head pain, and general weakness may be the result of a common viral infection.

However, the appearance nausea and vomiting, severe headache, drowsiness, disturbances of consciousness and neurological symptoms(paralysis, paresis) should be an alarm signal.

The intensity of symptoms quickly increases, and the general condition of the patient worsens. In extreme situations, respiratory failure and cardiac arrest occur due to cerebral edema.

Signs of the disease

Symptoms of encephalitis are differentiated depending on the causative agent of the disease and its location. There are also general manifestations of pathology. Like other infectious diseases, encephalitis affects the increase in body temperature, indigestion, and disturbances in the functioning of the respiratory tract.

Vomiting, photophobia, epilepsy attacks appear, and headache increases. Patients' consciousness is impaired and the person may fall into a coma. There are problems with psychomotor and sensory perception reality: physical hyperactivity, incorrect understanding of the parameters and shapes of objects.

Encephalitis can be asymptomatic, fulminant, or abortive. The asymptomatic course is accompanied by slight pain in the head and slight dizziness. Abortive forms cause symptoms of colds or stomach infections.

The most dangerous form is fulminant, which progresses over several hours. The temperature rises sharply, the person falls into a coma. Deaths are recorded as a result of heart failure.

Possible complications

Mild inflammation of the brain resolves without significant complications. Treatment of a severe form of the disease can last several years. The consequences of cerebral encephalitis do not develop in all people; they depend on individual characteristics body.

The most dangerous situation is when the patient does not feel painful signs, while the virus spreads throughout the structure of the brain. In this case, irreversible complications develop:

• chronic fatigue;
• personality changes;
• inability to concentrate;
• amnesia, which over time leads to problems with short-term memory;
• impairment of motor activity;
• mental disorders;
• loss of sensory sensitivity.

Degenerative processes in brain structures lead to disability and death.

Types of diseases

There are 3 types of meningitis:

For any type of illness, a study of the cerebrospinal fluid is required, after which treatment is prescribed. Inflammation can occur in people of any age. With exposure to toxic substances, damage to the meninges occurs, which causes inflammatory processes. This is called meningitis.

Diagnostic methods

The dominant diagnostic method is puncture, during which a specialist takes cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Biological material is examined, lymphocytic pleocytosis and protein concentration are detected.

A blood test reveals a high number of leukocytes, and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate increases. Epileptic activity is recorded. During the magnetic resonance imaging are registered pathological changes brain. When examining the fundus, congestion is determined optic nerve.

The disease is diagnosed based on the results obtained from bacteriological and serological tests. Virological identification is very difficult.

Diagnostics

The presence of a rash simplifies diagnosis. But it also happens that no symptoms are visible. Then additional measures are used. An analysis of nasal discharge is performed. Testing reveals the presence of pneumococcus, which indicates the presence of the disease.

The disease is detected by taking a puncture. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis is necessary to quickly determine the disease. Although the procedure is unpleasant, it is necessary. The doctor will then prescribe the appropriate type of treatment.

Testing for Kernig, Hermann, and Brudzinski symptoms may be performed. Based on research, the type of treatment that will help quickly cope with the disease is determined. But it is difficult to determine this on your own, so it is better to consult a doctor.

Methods of therapy

If painful signs are detected, you must urgently call an ambulance. The patient is placed in the infectious diseases department. The outcome of treatment depends on the speed of treatment. Often the patient requires the help of a resuscitator.

Treatment of encephalitis includes etiotropic, pathogenetic and symptomatic methods.

Etiotropic treatment

Eliminates the causes of brain inflammation, one of which is the penetration of an infectious agent. To eliminate the infection, antibacterial drugs, antiviral agents and human immunoglobulin, which is necessary for tick-borne encephalitis, are used.

Antibiotics are used for bacterial encephalitis and are administered intravenously. Antiviral medications include Acyclovir, Cycloferon, Viferon, and Proteflazid.

Pathogenetic treatment

It is based on the use of medications that restore damaged brain structures. These medications include:

• hormonal agents;
• anti-edema drugs - Mannitol, Diacarb, Furosemide;
• antihistamines - Suprastin, Loratadine, Zodak, Tavegil;
• infusions that correct metabolic processes - Dextran, Trisol, potassium;
• angioprotectors – Cavinton, Instenon;
• antihypoxants – Cytochrome, Mexidol, Actovegin;
• anti-inflammatory medications - Xefocam, Nurofen.

The patient is given vitamin preparations, means that correct the functioning of the heart and respiratory tract.

Symptomatic treatment

Eliminates manifestations individual symptoms resulting from encephalitis. Doctors prescribe anticonvulsants, antipyretics, and antipsychotic drugs. It is necessary to take drugs that activate the functioning of the neuromuscular system (Neuromidin) and reduce muscle tone (Sirdalud).

Note! Epilepsy attacks can remain with a person forever, requiring the use of anticonvulsants for the rest of their life.

The victim is prescribed physiotherapeutic measures: massage, acupuncture, physical therapy, electrical stimulation. The patient should work with a psychotherapist or speech therapist.

At the initial stage, encephalitis does not manifest itself with characteristic symptoms; the symptoms are similar to a cold. Therefore, a person goes to the doctor late, when the brain cells are already destroyed. Emergency medical care can save the patient.

Cerebral atherosclerosis

A dangerous disease that affects the blood vessels of the brain with atherosclerotic plaques and leads to biochemical processes of brain damage is called cerebral atherosclerosis. You can read in more detail about what cerebral atherosclerosis is in a similar article.

All systems have defeats blood vessels, but the predominant amount is damage to the cerebral arteries. This is a disease of the whole body.

Elastic and muscular-elastic arteries are subject to disturbances. Areas of cholesterol deposits (plaques) are concentrated on the inner wall (endothelium), leading to progressive narrowing lumen of blood vessels.

Causes of atherosclerosis:

• Pathological processes in the liver (increased cholesterol production).
• Related diseases.
• Errors diets (large amounts of smoked meats, salt, sweets).
• Smoking.
• Use alcohol.
• Stressful situations.
• Obesity.
• Hereditary predisposition.
• General aging of the body.
• Age over 45 years old.
• Small physical activity.
• Hormonal failures (diabetes mellitus, menopause and others).
• Arterial hypertension (when the elasticity of the artery walls decreases, plaques form and accumulate).
• Conditions work.
• Ecological situation.

Symptoms of atherosclerosis

1. Progressive memory impairment. The patient may not notice its decrease because it occurs only after overexertion. Over time, memory progressively deteriorates, even to the point of failure.
2. Progressive mental disorders.
3. Fast fatiguability during mental work.
4. Impaired concentration, the patient cannot concentrate on the work at hand for a long time.
5. Changes in emotional state. They are often afraid for their health and are unsure of their own capabilities. Attacks of depression occur frequently.
6. Seizures.
7. Pathological breathing. Occurs as a result of damage medulla oblongata.
8. Regular sleep disturbance and falling asleep.
9. Headache, dizziness after changing body position.
10. Senesthopathy. It manifests itself as pathological sensations in the head, lower extremities, and heat in the occipital region.
11. Discoordination and awkwardness of movements.
12. Various body disorders when certain areas of the brain are damaged.
13. Intolerance loud sound, bright light.

How does the disease occur?

The main reason that causes inflammation is the direct action of a damaging agent, most of which is infectious.
The infection spreads:

• through food, contaminated objects, dirty hands;
• by air through sputum and nasal secretions;
• upon contact with a sick, infectious animal.

The pathogen penetrates through the entrance gates: the mucous membrane of the mouth, pharynx, and nasal passages. The main causative agent of primary processes is a virus.

Inflammation can be secondary, as a result of the spread of the pathological process from another organ to the structures of the brain, spinal cord and ventricles. Pathogenic factors travel through the lymphatic, circulatory system or direct contact when anatomical protective barriers (bones, ligaments, soft and hard membranes) are damaged.

Vascular dystonia

Disorders of changes in the lumen of blood vessels are called dystonia of cerebral vessels. There are types of vascular dystonia in which the ability to quickly increase blood flow with increasing load is impaired (hypotonic type) or vascular spasm is formed (hypertonic type).

Disease syndromes

1. Cardiac(manifested by pain in the heart);
2. Tachycardic(feeling a rapid heartbeat);
3. Bradycardic(complaints of dizziness, numbness of extremities, slow heartbeat, disturbance of consciousness, sleep);
4. Arrhythmic(arrhythmic heart function, angina pectoris).;
5. Peripheral vascular disorders;
6. Vegetative crises.

Causes of dystonia

• Stressful situations;
• Overwork;
• Excessive emotional situations;
• Conditions work and life;
• Chronic foci of infection;
• Injuries brain;
• Endocrine diseases;
• Hormonal diseases or conditions (pregnancy, menopause, puberty);
• Smoking;
• Alcohol;
• Radioactive radiation;
• Violations rest and work schedule;
• Strong or weak physical activity;
• Lability climate;
• Heredity;
• Errors in diet.

Symptoms

• Difficulty in taking a deep breath or sudden deep breaths;
• Unpleasant sensations in the chest, heaviness;
• Lability body temperature;
• Tachycardia;
• Pain in the heart, freezing;
• Violation hemostasis;
• Violation gastrointestinal tract (diarrhea, constipation, nausea);
• Violation urinary system;
• Fast fatigue;
• Changes mood;
• Head pain;
• Insomnia;
• Tides blood, feeling of heat;
• Edema;
• Addiction to allergic reactions;
• Trembling limbs;
• Freezing in warm weather;
• Alarming state.

Signs of an attack, which is dangerous condition and requires immediate help:

• Fear of night, sleep;
• Panic;
• Tachycardia;
• Fear of light, sound.

Modern treatment

If a patient exhibits signs of meningitis at any stage, he is immediately hospitalized. Treatment is carried out in the neuroinfectious department or in intensive care only after full diagnostics patient. Treatment is influenced not only by symptoms, but also by the causes and extent of brain damage.

In the analysis of fluid from the peri-cerebral space, many proteins will be present. If the nature of the causative agent of the disease is known, then treatment is prescribed. Before antibiotic therapy, seven out of ten patients died from meningococcal infection. Today, you cannot do without such drugs if bacteria are the cause of the disease. The effectiveness of treatment also depends on when the patient sought help.

The first step on the road to recovery is taking antibiotics. In case of cerebral edema, diuretics are needed; they are also prescribed for preventive purposes. Antibiotics include penicillins, cephalosporins, and aminoglycosides. Sometimes anti-tuberculosis and anti-fungal medications are necessary.

A very strong group of antibiotics for the treatment of meningitis is selected, and the medicine is introduced into the body within ten days. The type of drug depends on the course inflammatory process.

If the cause of the disease is a virus, then the doctor prescribes symptomatic treatment to reduce high temperature, stop hallucinations and delusions. A group of antiviral drugs using interferon is prescribed in especially severe cases. Intoxication of the body is removed with an isotonic solution. Edema, in addition to diuretics, is stopped with glucocorticosteroids. Less commonly, the cause of the disease is fungi, which are eliminated with antifungal agents.

Prevention of tick-borne encephalitis

The rule “a disease is easier to prevent than to treat” works very well in relation to tick-borne infections, and therefore preventive measures are of paramount importance in areas where the disease is spreading.

Prevention of tick-borne encephalitis includes nonspecific measures that it is advisable to observe and know for those who live in dangerous areas and visit tick habitats. Specific prevention consists of using vaccines according to developed schemes.

When visiting forests and other tick habitats, you need to follow simple rules:

1. Clothing should be as closed as possible, overalls are preferred, a scarf or cap is required, and it is better to protect the neck and head with a hood. The collar, sleeve cuffs, and socks should fit snugly to the surface of the skin. If possible, you should wear light-colored and plain clothes so that in the event of a tick attack, it will be easier to notice. At home, clothes should be shaken out and it is advisable to leave them away from living quarters;
2. It is useful to examine the skin as often as possible, not only yourself, but also ask others, because the scalp, back, and back of the neck are quite problematic to carefully examine even with the help of a mirror;
3. Plants and other objects brought from the forest may well become a source of ticks for all family members, so it is better to avoid such “souvenirs”. Pets should also be examined, because they too can become victims of “bloodsuckers”;
4. If you need to spend the night in the forest, it is better to choose places without grass, open areas with sandy soil, to minimize the likelihood of a tick attack;
5. The use of repellents applied to the skin, as well as acaricides for treating clothing, helps protect against insects, so this method of prevention should not be neglected. Children should be handled by adults, and when walking with kids, you need to take into account their tendency to put their fingers in their mouths, so it is better to leave their hands untreated.

If the tick does attack, you need to remove it correctly or go to a medical facility (emergency room, ambulance station). At home, to remove the “bloodsucker,” the bite site should be lubricated vegetable oil, and grab the tick with tweezers or a thread, tying it around the neck, while making rocking movements, as if twisting the insect from the skin. It happens that when you try to remove a tick, its body comes off, but the head remains in the skin. In such cases, you should immediately contact a specialist, as the risk of infection remains.

infographic: Belta

Specific prevention of tick-borne encephalitis consists of vaccination of the population of areas where the disease is endemic, as well as visitors. Among local residents, the proportion of vaccinated people should not be lower than 95%, and special attention is paid to people whose professional activities involve staying in tick habitats.

The standard of vaccination is to administer the drug twice, followed by revaccination once a year. The effect will be if vaccination is carried out at least two weeks before leaving for an endemic focus or before the start of the epidemic season. Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis can be done either urgently in case of a tick bite, or routinely according to a standard regimen, which involves at least one revaccination. Emergency prevention is carried out on the first day after an insect bite.

In addition to tick-borne encephalitis, there are, although much less frequently, secondary inflammatory processes in the brain that complicate the course of other diseases - tumors hematopoietic system, sepsis, measles and chickenpox, traumatic injuries. Approaches to therapy for such conditions are determined by the nature of the underlying disease and symptoms of brain damage.

In the case of tick-borne infections, vigilance and caution when visiting the habitats of blood-sucking insects, timely detection and removal of the tick, vaccination and early contact with specialists can significantly reduce the risk of infection, as well as improve the results of therapy in the development of encephalitis.

Diagnosis of encephalitis: what data is needed?

To diagnose encephalitis, as a rule, not much information is needed. The doctor obtains approximately half of the necessary data from the actual examination and history taking.

Of the non-invasive diagnostic methods, MRI is in first place. The disadvantage of this method is that it only allows one to determine the presence of encephalitis, but not its cause.

In this case, a cerebrospinal fluid analysis is mandatory. It allows you to answer a huge number of questions and, often, after this the diagnosis becomes clear. Later, during the treatment process, cerebrospinal fluid analysis is carried out repeatedly to determine the dynamics of the disease.

If a lumbar puncture does not answer all questions, they may resort to a last resort - a biopsy of brain tissue. This is a rather dangerous study, but no other can compete with it in its informativeness.

Besides specific tests general tests are required - clinical analysis blood and urine, biochemical blood test.

Inflammation of the ventricles

The ventricles form a structure of the central nervous system, closely connected with the substance of the brain. Therefore, the factors that cause them correspond to those in encephalitis.

Damage to the ventricles of the brain can occur due to direct damage (trauma), as well as the formation of an abscess during encephalitis. When a breakthrough occurs, purulent contents enter the ventricular cavity. When an infection enters the ventricular cavity, damage always occurs there, since the body’s natural defense factors, immune agents, drugs, and antibiotics do not penetrate there well. Inflammation may be a consequence of the spread of the arachnoid process and the spread of pus from the subarachnoid space into the ventricles.

Having set out to learn a little more about inflammatory processes in the brain, it is easy to notice that most of the information on this problem is devoted to tick-borne encephalitis. This is not surprising, since tick-borne encephalitis, being an independent disease, affects absolutely healthy people of any age and gender, and the seasonality and mass nature of infection with the infectious agent force not only health workers, but also people at risk to understand the essence of the disease.

The danger of tick-borne encephalitis is that in almost all cases it leaves behind persistent neurological disorders, which not only limit the subsequent life activity of the person who has recovered from the disease, but are also capable of confining him to bed forever. In children, the disease is more severe than in adults, and residual effects and dangerous consequences can radically change the life of a little person, not for the better.

A little history

The first published descriptions of a seasonal disease that occurs with damage to the nervous system appeared in late XIX century. In the first third of the last century, large-scale scientific research was carried out, which bore fruit: the pathogen (virus) was isolated, the carrier (mite) was identified, and the clinical picture disease, treatment approaches and, very importantly, preventive measures have been developed.

However, the study of tick-borne encephalitis, like any other infectious disease, did not pass without tragic episodes when the dedicated work of scientists led to their death.

The development of Siberia and the Far East in the 30s of the last century, the development of industry and the strengthening of the border required an influx of qualified personnel into these regions, and along with the construction of numerous correctional institutions led to the resettlement of a huge number of people for whom the climate and natural features of the area were alien. It was then that massive outbreaks of seasonal disease affecting the central nervous system attracted the attention of A.G. Panov. Already in 1937, an expedition was organized under the leadership of Professor L.A. Zilber, whose participants began to closely study the nature of encephalitis.

dog and taiga ticks - both can be carriers of encephalitis

Thanks to the efforts of virologists, infectious disease specialists, with the active help of Khabarovsk neurologists who knew firsthand about dangerous disease, the causative agent of the infection was identified, which turned out to be a virus, as well as the most likely carrier - the ixodid tick, whose favorite habitat is considered to be taiga regions.

The disease spared no one. Most of those who were bitten by a tick developed encephalitis, and the risk of death remained and remains quite high. Among the victims of the insidious infection are many scientists, employees of virology laboratories, and doctors who conducted research in the field. Thus, one of the discoverers of the viral nature of tick-borne encephalitis, M.P. Chumakov, contracted the infection during an autopsy of a deceased patient. The acute form of the disease gave way to a chronic one and haunted the scientist for the rest of his life. Despite his hearing impairment and movement disorders, Academician Chumakov continued to work actively for many years, and bequeathed his body for the study of the chronic form of encephalitis that had lasted for decades. One of the entomologists, B.I. Pomerantsev, who searched for the carrier of the infection, died after being bitten by a tick from a severe form of encephalitis.

There was also politics. Soon after the start of the expedition, in the midst of research work, its leader, Professor Zilber, and two other employees were arrested, who were suspected of spreading Japanese encephalitis in the region, but the accusation was false, and 1937 was marked by the discovery of the tick-borne encephalitis virus thanks to dedicated Russian scientists.

Where does the infection come from?

As noted above, tick-borne encephalitis is common in the forest and forest-steppe zones of Siberia, the Urals, the Far East, and is found in many countries of the central and western part of the Eurasian continent (France, Germany, Poland, Belarus, the Baltic region). Cases of tick-borne encephalitis have also been recorded in Mongolia and the wooded part of China. Every year in Russia alone, more than half a million people, including children, seek medical help after a tick bite. The infection is especially severe among residents of the Far East, where the frequency severe complications and deaths are particularly high.

prevalence of encephalitis in Russian regions (incidence per 100,000 people)

In nature, the tick-borne encephalitis virus is found in animals and birds - rodents, wolves, moose, large livestock, which serve as a source of food for ticks, infecting them in the process. A person ends up among them by chance, but for a tick it doesn’t matter whose blood it feeds on and to whom it transmits the virus.

There is a pronounced seasonality of the disease, the peak of which occurs in the spring-summer period. The culprits for this are also ixodid ticks, which, after a long winter hibernation, crawl to the surface and begin hunting. Ticks hunt in the literal sense, that is, they wait for the victim and attack.

Hungry ticks prefer to wait for prey in shady bushes or grass, crawling out of the forest floor and spreading upward to a height of up to one and a half meters. This happens if you visit the forest, but you need to remember that the tick itself can “come” into the house: with flowers, branches, clothes, pets, so even a family member who avoids forest walks can suffer.

Thanks to the ability to sense changes in carbon dioxide concentration in environment and thermal radiation, The tick accurately detects the approach of a food source and attacks. Lacking the ability to jump or fly, it clings or falls onto its prey. On the human body, the tick always crawls upward, reaching the thin and delicate skin of the neck, abdomen, chest, and axillary areas. Since the saliva of insects contains substances with anticoagulant and anesthetic properties, the bite may not be noticeable immediately, so it will not be possible to brush it off like a mosquito or midge. Moreover, if females attach themselves for a long period of time, then males do it quickly, so the very fact of a tick bite may go unnoticed, then the cause of the malaise and subsequent development of the disease cannot be immediately established. The female can remain on the human body for many days, and only after being saturated with blood and increasing in weight by several tens, or even a hundred times, does it leave the victim.

The risk group for viral tick-borne encephalitis includes foresters and other workers whose activities involve visiting forests, geologists, road builders, tourists, avid lovers of picking mushrooms and berries, or simply walking and having picnics in nature. In areas where encephalitis is endemic, this may be unsafe.

You can become infected with tick-borne encephalitis not only in the forest, but also in city parks and squares, in gardens and summer cottages. It’s worth remembering this when planning to walk in the shade of trees, even within city limits.

In addition to the vector-borne route of transmission of infection (through an insect bite), cases of infection have been described when consuming raw goat or cow milk. This happens to children who are given raw milk from private farmsteads. Boiling destroys the encephalitis virus, so you should not neglect such a simple procedure, especially when it comes to the little ones.

Features of the course of tick-borne encephalitis

The tick-borne encephalitis virus, having entered the bloodstream, is directed to the nervous tissue, affecting the cerebral cortex, white matter, subcortical nuclei, cranial nerves, spinal roots, causing paresis and paralysis, and changes in sensitivity. Involvement of various brain structures can cause seizures, impaired consciousness up to coma, and cerebral edema. The older the patient, the higher the risk of complications and severe course of the disease, and after 60 years, the likelihood of death is especially high.

Like any other infection, tick-borne encephalitis occurs with a latent period, during which there may be no signs of the disease at all.

Average the incubation period lasts 1-2 weeks, maximum – 30 days, when the infectious agent multiplies intensively in the human body. Towards the end of the latent course, weakness, fatigue, body aches, fever may appear, that is, symptoms characteristic of many infectious diseases, which is why it is so important to establish the fact of a tick bite, because it is not so easy to suspect encephalitis in such cases.

Depending on the predominance of one or another sign of the disease, forms of tick-borne
encephalitis
:

1. Feverish.
2. Meningeal.
3. With focal damage to nervous tissue.
4. Chronic variants of the course.

The first three forms are classified as acute encephalitis, and the febrile and meningeal varieties account for about 90% of all cases of the disease. Chronic tick-borne encephalitis is diagnosed much less frequently, which can last for years, continuously progressing and leading to persistent neurological disorders.

Without focusing on a detailed description of all possible symptoms of damage to the nervous system, it is worth pointing out the development of three main syndromes in patients:

1. General infectious nature.
2. Meningeal.
3. Syndrome of focal pathology of the nervous system.

manifestations of encephalitis
Signs of a general infectious nature are associated with increased reproduction of the virus and its spread not only to the nervous tissue, but also to other parenchymal organs, as well as effects on the walls of blood vessels. Patients experience severe fever with a temperature rise to 39-40 degrees, chills, weakness, pain in muscles and bones, and possible dyspeptic disorders.

Meningeal syndrome associated with damage to the pia mater and increased intracranial pressure. It includes severe headache, nausea, repeated vomiting that does not bring relief, impaired consciousness, photophobia, convulsions, psychomotor agitation.

Focal neurological impairment syndrome associated with damage to specific parts of the nervous system and manifests itself as paralysis, paresis, impaired sensitivity and cardiovascular function, respiratory system, convulsive syndrome.

Feverish form The disease is characterized by a favorable prognosis and rapid recovery. This is the most soft form course of tick-borne encephalitis, which occurs with virtually no damage to the nervous tissue by the virus. Symptoms include increased temperature, common features infectious process (nausea, weakness, headache). Fever and flu-like changes last for about three to five days, after which recovery begins.

Meningeal variant The course of encephalitis is considered the most common, and manifestations include headache, sore eyes, nausea and vomiting. In addition to the characteristic symptoms, changes in the cerebrospinal fluid can also be detected. Signs of damage to the meninges in the form of stiffness of the neck muscles and other meningeal symptoms can be easily determined by a health worker of any specialty, so diagnosing this form of the disease after a tick bite does not cause great difficulties. The fever lasts about one to two weeks, and then recovery occurs. The meningeal form is considered favorable, although the consequences in the form of headaches can accompany the patient for quite a long time.

A form of tick-borne encephalitis with focal neurological disorders the rarest and, at the same time, the most severe in terms of course and consequences. Mortality with it reaches 40% with the Far Eastern type of infection. With simultaneous damage to the meninges and the substance of the brain (meningoencephalitis), the course of the disease is very severe: fever, nausea and vomiting, headache, convulsions up to epistatus, impaired consciousness in the form of delirium, hallucinations, coma. The recovery process takes up to 2 years or more, and the consequences in the form of paralysis and muscle atrophy last a lifetime.

In addition to the cerebral hemispheres, damage to the brain stem, spinal roots and peripheral nerves is possible. These cases are accompanied by persistent paralysis, severe pain syndrome and inevitably lead to serious disorders that turn a previously healthy person into a disabled person, bedridden, unable to move or even speak. Such patients remain deeply disabled and require constant care and supervision, since even eating becomes a problem.

In children, the disease is severe and is more often recorded in boys of primary school age. The forms of infection are similar to those described for adults. Symptoms of brain damage develop rapidly and leave consequences in the form of epilepsy, paralysis, etc. Children more often than adults experience complications in the form of convulsive syndrome and hyperkinesis - involuntary excessive movements of the limbs, head, and torso, which sometimes persist for life. Since a child often does not know about the danger of tick bites, and even more so, does not carefully examine the skin after walking in the forest or park, the task of prevention and timely detection of blood-sucking insects lies with the parents.

Video: consequences of tick-borne encephalitis

Detection and treatment of tick-borne encephalitis

Diagnosis of encephalitis is based on a characteristic clinical picture, data on visits to forests, and the presence of tick bites. Used to confirm the diagnosis laboratory methods

Allowing the detection of specific antibodies (proteins) produced in the patient’s body in response to the introduction of the virus. When visiting a doctor, the first thing the patient will be asked to do is donate blood, in which elevated white blood cells and accelerated ESR may be detected, but these changes are nonspecific and accompany many other diseases, which is why it is so important to conduct serological studies to look for antibodies.

photo: tomsk.ru

No less important is analysis
cerebrospinal fluid
, in which the content of lymphocytes and protein increases, and its leakage under pressure indicates intracranial hypertension. It is worth noting that it is not always possible to examine cerebrospinal fluid. For example, in coma and dysfunction of the medulla oblongata, this manipulation is contraindicated, and doctors are forced to wait for the patient’s condition to stabilize. At the same time, with a relatively mild febrile form of the disease, there are no changes in the cerebrospinal fluid, and diagnosis is based on the search for antiviral antibodies.

Can bring invaluable benefits mite analysis

for the presence of tick-borne encephalitis virus in it, which is why it is so important not only to remove it when detected on the body, but also to preserve it and transfer it to the appropriate laboratory. If fears regarding tick infection are confirmed, then it is possible to prevent the disease in advance and begin treatment as early as possible.

Treatment of tick-borne encephalitis requires mandatory hospitalization in the intensive care unit. Patients are prescribed strict bed rest with minimization of all kinds of irritants. A balanced diet plays an important role, especially since the infection is often accompanied by dysfunction of the digestive system.

Prescribed therapy includes

• Detoxification agents designed to remove toxins and products of tissues destroyed by the virus - intravenous and oral administration of fluid under the control of water-electrolyte metabolism.
• B vitamins and ascorbic acid help restore the function of nervous tissue, have an antioxidant effect, and stimulate the adrenal glands.
• Specific antiviral therapy, including the use of interferons, ribonuclease (an enzyme that interferes with the reproduction of the infectious agent), immunoglobulin against the tick-borne encephalitis virus. The use of immunoglobulin gives good therapeutic effect with severe and moderate infection, and it occurs the faster the earlier the drug is started. Already in the first 12-24 hours of treatment, you can observe an improvement in the patient’s condition - the temperature decreases, the headache decreases, meningeal symptoms may disappear completely. Immunoglobulin destroys the virus, not only in the blood, but also inside cells, and also prevents its penetration into neurons.
• In case of focal forms of damage to the nervous system, it is mandatory to prescribe glucocorticoids in tablets with preserved consciousness and the act of swallowing, and in case of damage to the medulla oblongata, coma, the drugs are administered intravenously.
• Anticonvulsants are indicated for symptoms of epilepsy.
• Drugs that improve metabolic processes in nervous tissue, muscle relaxants are prescribed for paralysis, increased muscle tone, and hyperkinetic disorders.

Inflammation of the meninges is a serious disease. If treatment is not started in time this pathology, death is possible. The disease is divided into several types, depending on the affected area of ​​the brain. In this article we will take a closer look at the causes and symptoms of this disease.

The most common diseases that relate to inflammation of the membranes of the brain are encephalitis and meningitis. Pathology is divided into several forms: acute, subacute and chronic. Each disease has an individual manifestation and different methods therapy.

Meningitis

Meningitis is a serious infectious disease that affects the brain and causes inflammation of its membranes. The disease can develop as an independent disease or occur as a complication of another infection.

The causative agents of the disease can be fungi, bacteria and viruses. Doctors divide the inflammatory process into purulent and serous.

If you suspect this disease, you must immediately go to the hospital, because meningitis can only be cured under the supervision of doctors. Since the disease has dangerous consequences, it is necessary to begin treatment as soon as the first signs appear.

Most often, this type of inflammation of the meninges of the brain occurs in children, since the child’s immune system and BBB are imperfect. The main pathogen is considered to be the bacterium meningococcus, belonging to the genus Neisseria, which, in turn, is divided into several serological groups - A, B and C. Group A is considered the most dangerous, which, when infected, leads to the development of severe meningitis.

Most often, the infection is transmitted by airborne droplets. Most great danger are carriers with an asymptomatic course of the disease; they actively release the infection into the environment.

The highest incidence of meningococcal disease occurs in African countries, although the disease is common in all countries of the world. This is facilitated by a warm climate, which allows bacteria to actively develop. In spring and autumn, the incidence is higher, this is due to the weakening of human immunity after winter. More often than others, meningitis develops in children and the elderly, since their defenses are weaker in relation to this infection.

Encephalitis

Another pathology characterized by inflammation of the membranes of the brain is called encephalitis. It belongs to a group of diseases that cause inflammation in the brain. Encephalitis can be infectious, toxic and allergic. If a disease is detected, the person is immediately hospitalized. All patients with confirmed infection require strict bed rest and medical supervision.

The main cause of encephalitis is considered to be viruses - neuroinfections. Less commonly, the disease develops as a complication of certain infections.

Encephalitis occurs:

The second type develops against the background of other pathologies (measles, toxoplasmosis, osteomyelitis, influenza).

Primary encephalitis is most often transmitted through insect bites. In addition, pathologies such as syphilitic and typhoid encephalitis are distinguished.

Depending on the type of inflammation, the disease is divided into:

• Isolated. In which only encephalitis symptoms are present.
• Meningoencephalitis. There are symptoms of inflammation of the meninges of the brain.

According to the lesion, the disease can be cortical, subcortical, brainstem, or cerebellar.

Encephalitis can occur in acute, subacute, recurrent and chronic forms. According to severity, the disease is divided into:

• moderate severity;
• heavy;
• extremely heavy.

Encephalitis can affect anyone, but it is most common in older adults and children. The risk category includes people whose immunity is weakened by some influence, for example, cancer patients, HIV-infected people or after long-term use of steroids.

Causes

The main causes of meningitis are considered to be bacteria, fungi, spirochetes and viruses.

Separately, we can highlight situations in which the cause of the development of this disease is allergic and toxic processes in the brain. But these are quite rare cases. The most common cause of encephalitis is still considered an infectious pathogen.

Symptoms

The development time of meningococcal infection in the body is five to six days, sometimes the incubation period can reach up to ten days. The duration depends on the pathogen.

Symptoms of inflammation of the meninges in the bacterial form usually appear unexpectedly. Signs of the disease with a viral type of infection can appear either suddenly or within a few days.

The most common symptoms of meningitis occurring in adults are:

• persistent pain in the head;
• shortness of breath, rapid pulse;
• intolerance to light and sound;
• blue discoloration of the nasolabial area;
• heat;
• muscle and joint soreness;
• difficulty turning or lowering your neck;
• vomiting, weakness, decreased appetite.

Signs in children include fever, nervousness, decreased appetite, vomiting, rash, and tight back muscles and limbs. The baby cries when they try to pick him up; the child cannot calm down for a long time.

Encephalitis most often develops suddenly, while the patient’s health rapidly deteriorates, and characteristic symptoms of inflammation of the lining of the brain appear. The first signs of encephalitis:

1. Severe, pressing headache that spreads throughout the head.
2. The temperature rises to 38 and above.
3. Weakness.
4. Intoxication.
5. Vomiting, after which there is no improvement in well-being.
6. Drowsiness and lethargy, a state of blockage with a lack of response to any external stimuli (bright light, loud sound, tingling) or coma may occur.

Diagnostics

The following procedures help confirm the diagnosis:

Blood and urine tests.

Magnetic resonance imaging.

CT scan.

A study of the brain fluid is carried out, which reveals the stage of the disease, its form and cause.

Treatment of inflammation of the meninges is always developed individually for each patient and depends on the type of infection, causes and form of progression.

Therapy

Treatment of meningitis and encephalitis is carried out only in a hospital and is based on three areas:

• eliminating the cause of the disease;
• the use of medications to stop the process of brain damage and inflammation;
• elimination of individual symptoms.

Complications

In the absence of the necessary treatment for inflammatory processes in the brain, the following pathologies may develop:

• Paralysis.
• Visual impairment.
• The appearance of epileptic seizures.
• Kidney and liver failure develops.
• Dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system.
• Strabismus.
• Memory and hearing impairment.
• Cardio muscle function deteriorates.

The main complication of brain inflammation is the death of the patient. It occurs if the patient is not treated within five to eight days after the disease begins.

Prevention

The main preventative measure against meningitis is vaccination. Vaccination is not mandatory. It can be done as desired. It is also recommended to avoid contact with people who show symptoms of meningitis.

Vaccination is also carried out against encephalitis. To prevent excessive spread of infection, vaccinations are given to people living or working in areas of possible infection. Vaccination against encephalitis usually consists of three shots and provides immunity for three years. Preventive measures against secondary type encephalitis involve timely diagnosis and properly selected treatment of infectious diseases.

Inflammation of the spinal cord membrane

Myelitis – dangerous disease spinal cord, which entails serious consequences that affect the entire life of the person who has suffered this disease. Only timely detection of pathology and proper treatment can get rid of all symptoms and manifestations. The pathology develops very quickly. It is important to exclude self-medication and consult experienced doctors in a timely manner.

Myelitis can be primary or secondary. In the first case, the gray and white matter of the spinal cord is initially affected. In the second case, inflammation is a consequence of other ailments. Often the causative agents of myelitis are viruses and bacteria.

Cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy often develop radiation myelitis. It manifests itself six months a year after the end of treatment of the underlying disease. Doctors and patients are most often prepared for such a complication, so therapy for an inflamed spinal cord begins on time and gives a positive result.

Another factor in the development of myelitis may be severe hypothermia. At low temperatures, human immunity decreases, so at this moment bacteria and viruses can penetrate the spinal cord and actively multiply.

The disease develops rapidly, the symptoms appear progressively. Among the main features are the following:

• temperature increase;
• chills;
• dizziness;
• muscle weakness;
• pain in the back.

Signs that appear at the onset of the disease are characteristic of many pathologies; a little later myelitis symptoms begin to appear. Only qualified medical professionals can determine the diagnosis.

Several forms of myelitis are known, they depend on the location of the inflammation and the degree of brain damage. Each type of pathology has its own symptoms and signs. Painful sensations can occur in different parts of the back. The stage of development of the disease is no less important. At the initial stage, there may be pain in the back and when raising the head and neck; two to three days after this, the patient may experience paralysis.

What other inflammations are there?

The inflammatory process in the brain usually has a fairly acute course and many consequences. Inflammation of the arachnoid membrane of the brain (arachnoiditis) is one of the types of diseases in this group. Arachnoiditis refers to serous inflammatory processes in which blood circulation is disrupted and capillary walls weaken. Due to these pathological processes, lymph begins to leak into soft fabrics and stagnate there. Over time, swelling develops, the temperature increases, and symptoms similar to meningitis occur.

Conclusion

Inflammation of the membranes of the spinal cord and brain are dangerous diseases that have serious consequences. But every sick person has a chance of recovery, and it depends on how quickly the patient sees a doctor. After all, diagnosis and treatment of these pathologies are carried out only in a hospital.

Inflammation that develops in the brain is a health and life-threatening condition. Neuroinfections are often accompanied by severe dysfunction of the nervous system and neurological deficit, often provoke complications, and require immediate medical attention.

Characteristics of the disease

Inflammation of the brain is a pathological process that covers the medulla, membranes, and subarachnoid space. Infectious forms of the disease arise due to the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungal agents). Non-infectious forms develop against the background of autoimmune diseases, taking pharmaceutical drugs or after vaccination.

Inflammation of brain tissue is the effect on the brain substance of toxic products that are formed during life pathogenic microflora or as a result of pathological processes (decomposition of shed blood or dead tissue that has undergone necrosis). Inflammatory reactions non-infectious origin correlate with impaired activity immune system.

Types of inflammation

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes covering the brain, often spreading to the subarachnoid area (under arachnoid) space. Non-infectious meningitis, like infectious meningitis, affects the membranes of the brain - the brain and spinal cord.

Encephalitis is an inflammatory change in the nervous tissue. Encephalitis occurs in the white and gray matter. Depending on the location of the pathological focus, forms of encephalitis are distinguished. For example, inflammation of the white matter that forms the basis of the cerebral hemispheres is called leukoencephalitis.

Inflammation in the cerebral cortex is a disease called polioencephalitis, which indicates a predominant lesion of the gray matter. Primary forms of encephalitis develop as an independent disease, secondary forms - against the background of primary pathology as a consequence of measles, rubella, influenza, chickenpox, staphylococcal, streptococcal infections. Inflammation in the tissues of the head occurs in the form of:

Some forms (multifocal leukoencephalopathy provoked by the J. Kenningham virus, sclerosing panencephalitis provoked by the measles virus) are distinguished by prolonged incubation period and the current. Inflammation in the substance of the brain is called an abscess, if the disease is characterized by the formation of a cavity in which pus accumulates; a form such as empyema is characterized by the accumulation of pus inside the cavity due to a violation of its outflow.

Depending on the location of the pathological focus, forms of encephalitis are distinguished - cortical, subcortical, cerebellar, brainstem. Taking into account the nature of the damage to the brain matter, the disease develops according to the hemorrhagic or necrotic type. Other types of inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system:

1. Chorea. Brain damage caused by rheumatic infection. Usually occurs in the autumn-winter period against the background of past illnesses (flu, sore throat, polyarthritis). Debut signs: irritability, incontinence of affect, emotional lability, absent-mindedness. Later, hyperkinesis appears (pathological involuntary movements associated with uncontrolled contraction of a muscle group), affecting areas of the face, body, upper and lower extremities.
2. Neuritis (inflammatory process affecting cranial and peripheral nerves). Neuritis often affects the facial and trigeminal nerve s originating in the brain stem. With multiple lesions of nerve endings, the pathology is called polyneuritis. For neuritis facial nerve there is paralysis (weakening) facial muscles more often in one half of the face. The inflammatory process affecting the trigeminal nerve is accompanied by attacks of sharp, severe, excruciating pain on the affected side.
3. NeuroAIDS. Group clinical forms damage to nervous tissue in patients diagnosed with HIV or AIDS. These include HIV encephalopathy and sensory polyneuropathy. The clinical picture resembles the course meningococcal meningitis, meningoencephalitis with rapid progression of dementia and an increasing frequency of epileptic seizures.

A particular danger to the health and life of the patient is posed by acute bacterial forms, which rapidly progress and quickly lead to a sharp deterioration in the patient’s condition, coma, and death.

Causes

A common cause of encephalitis is infection by a virus (herpes simplex virus, herpes zoster virus, cytomegalovirus). Diffuse forms often occur against the background of prion diseases (progressive, degenerative diseases of the nervous tissue, characterized by abnormal protein transformation) and HIV status.

Meningitis often develops as a result of infection with meningococci and other coccal bacteria (streptococci, pneumococci). Inflammation of non-infectious origin occurring in the membranes of the brain occurs due to the following reasons:

• Autoimmune diseases (lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis).
• Taking medications (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, some antibiotics). Non-infectious meningitis is often diagnosed in patients with autoimmune diseases history of taking NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
• Entry of the liquid contents of the cyst into the subarachnoid space. A common cause of cyst formation in brain tissue is cysticercosis ( helminthic infestation- tapeworm infection).

A brain abscess develops as a result of the spread of intracranial infection (osteomyelitis, sinusitis), head injury, penetrating wounds in the head, and neurosurgical interventions. Often the cause of the formation of a purulent focus is an infectious lesion of the body (for example, bacterial endocarditis), transmitted to the parts of the central nervous system hematogenously - through the bloodstream.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of inflammation of the meninges in adults include intense, excruciating, bursting pain in the head, stiffness (hardness, inflexibility) of the neck muscles, fever (increased body temperature). Manifestations may be absent or mild in newborns and elderly people with suppressed immune defenses. Other symptoms of an inflamed brain with meningitis in adults:

1. Apathy, lethargy, restless sleep.
2. Loss of appetite.
3. Chills, pale skin.
4. Tachycardia, changes in blood pressure.
5. Repeated, repeated vomiting.
6. Psychomotor agitation.
7. Confusion, coma, stupor.
8. Convulsive syndrome.
9. Kernig's sign. Due to increased muscle tone, the patient is not able to independently straighten the lower limb, which was previously passively bent at the knee and hip joints.
10. Brudzinski's symptoms. An attempt to passively tilt the head forward and downward leads to involuntary pulling of the lower extremities towards the abdominal area with preliminary bending at the knee joints. A similar result is observed when pressing on the pubic bone area.

Rigidity of the muscles located in the occipital area is detected when trying to lower the head forward and downward. The attempt provokes the emergence of strong painful sensations. Symptoms of inflammation of the cerebral cortex include drowsiness, increased body temperature, increased sensitivity to light and sound stimuli, epileptic seizures, confusion, and pain in the head area.

Encephalitis is suspected when unexplained mental disorders appear. The manifestations of non-infectious meningitis are similar to the symptoms characteristic of the bacterial form of the disease. The difference lies in the less severe symptoms, milder course and slower progression of the disease.

With non-infectious forms, in most cases, with correct treatment, recovery occurs within 1-2 weeks. The clinical picture of an abscess includes signs: lethargy, apathy, pain in the head area, increased body temperature. Focal neurological symptoms depend on the location of the pathological focus.

Diagnostics

Differential diagnosis and elucidating the causes of inflammation affecting brain tissue is difficult due to the variety of forms, symptoms and etiological factors. Some pathological processes of non-infectious origin, for example, anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis, manifested by an immune attack (autoimmune reaction) to membrane proteins of the nervous tissue, can imitate the course of infectious encephalitis.

In the differential diagnosis of meningitis and osteoarthritis in the presence of a symptom of stiffness of the cervical muscles, attention is paid to the nature of the limitation of neck mobility. With osteoarthritis, the patient experiences difficulty when trying to turn the neck in any direction. With meningitis, difficulties arise only when trying to lower the head in a downward direction.

The diagnosis of bacterial or viral meningitis is made based on the results of a cerebrospinal fluid analysis (lumbar puncture). An MRI study is performed to confirm the diagnosis of encephalitis. The development of pathology is accompanied characteristic changes in brain tissue, which are detected during neuroimaging.

MRI images of viral encephalitis caused by the herpes simplex virus show tissue swelling in the temporal lobe and orbitofrontal region. These parts of the brain are most often damaged in HSV encephalitis. With leukoencephalopathy of the multifocal (multifocal) type, signs of demyelination of nerve fibers are revealed.

An MRI study makes it possible to differentiate pathologies such as brain abscess and thrombosis in the sagittal sinus area, which are accompanied by symptoms similar to those of viral encephalitis. Other methods of instrumental examination: electroencephalogram (detection of parameters of bioelectric activity of the brain), electroneuromyography (determination of skeletal muscle tone).

Treatment methods

Treatment of inflammation affecting brain tissue is carried out taking into account the causes and symptoms. For inflammatory processes provoked by bacterial agents, antibacterial drugs and corticosteroids (Prednisolone, Dexamethasone) are prescribed.

Empirical (without confirmation of the cause) treatment with antibiotics is carried out if bacterial meningitis is suspected, if due to contraindications ( increased values intracranial pressure, focal neurological deficit, convulsive syndrome, confusion, papilledema, bleeding disorder) it is impossible to perform a lumbar puncture.

• Correctors of metabolism in nervous tissue ( vitamin complexes, Piracetam, Gamma-aminobutyric acid).
• Anticonvulsants (Diazepam).
• Antiemetics (Metoclopramide).
• Painkillers (Ketoprofen, Lornoxicam).
• Muscle relaxants (Mydocalm).

Treatment involves taking measures aimed at eliminating dehydration (dehydration of the body), edema and swelling of the brain substance. Prescribed drugs: Mannitol, Furosemide, Glycerol (30%), Acetazolamide. For desensitization (reducing the body's hypersensitivity), the following drugs are prescribed: Clemastine, Chloropyramine.

Corticosteroid therapy has a desensitizing, dehydrating, anti-inflammatory effect, while simultaneously reducing the load on the adrenal cortex. Intravenous administration of Dextran solution helps improve blood microcirculation. Antihypoxants, for example, Mexidol, increase the resistance of nervous tissue to oxygen starvation.

At the same time, medications are prescribed (Dextrose, Dextran, Potassium chloride) to maintain homeostasis (the system of self-regulation of physiological processes occurring in the body) and water-electrolyte balance. To maintain normal blood supply to the medulla, angioprotectors are prescribed (reduce vascular permeability, stimulate metabolic processes in the tissues of the vascular wall) - Vinpocetine, Pentoxifylline.

The functions of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems are constantly monitored. If necessary, oxygen therapy (artificial oxygen supply to the body) is performed. If indicated, the patient may be connected to a ventilator (pulmonary ventilation), intubation (insertion of an endotracheal tube into the trachea to ensure airway patency) or tracheostomy (surgical operation to create an anastomosis between the trachea and the environment).

Treatment for an abscess involves surgery, often stereotactic aspiration (suction of purulent contents from the lesion) or drainage (discharge of liquid contents through an established drainage system).

Possible complications

The consequences of inflammation occurring in the brain tissue depend on the causes that provoked the disease, the severity of symptoms and the nature of the course. The prognosis is made individually, taking into account the form of the disease, age and health status of the patient. In acute bacterial meningitis and viral encephalitis, death is possible. For example, when herpetic infections Mortality among patients not receiving treatment is 70-80%.

Inflammation of the brain is a group of diseases of different etiologies with varying symptoms and course. Differential diagnosis and correct therapy can effectively combat disorders.

Brain inflammation is a very serious pathology that is characterized by death nerve cells and damage to the nervous system.

The disease may be infectious or allergic in nature. In most cases, it develops as an independent disease, but can be the result of a previously suffered pathology.

It is possible to defeat the disease with a timely diagnosis and competent immediate treatment.

Types of brain inflammation

Depending on the location of the lesion, there are two types of inflammation of the brain - encephalitis and meningitis.

Inflammation of the cerebral cortex can manifest itself in acute, subacute and chronic forms.

Each of them has its own specific manifestations and, accordingly, different treatment tactics.

Meningitis

With this disease, an inflammatory process of the lining of the brain develops; it can be provoked by:

• viruses;
• bacteria;
• fungi.

It is very important to recognize the first symptoms of meningitis in children in time - this can save the child’s life!

Encephalitis

With this pathology, the substance of the brain becomes inflamed. Depending on the form of the disease, it can be severe and lead to death or mild.

According to medical statistics, the disease is more often observed in childhood.

There are primary and secondary encephalitis. In the first case, the disease can develop after a tick bite, influenza or herpes.

The secondary form develops as a complication of certain diseases, namely:

• rubella;
• chicken pox;
• malaria;
• measles

Also, a secondary form of encephalitis can become a complication after vaccination.

Causes of brain inflammation

A person can experience brain inflammation at any age. According to medical statistics, children and middle-aged men are more likely to suffer from inflammatory brain disease. The development of this disease can be caused by a number of factors - from back and head injuries to certain types of infection.

Among the main reasons are:

• severe hypothermia;
• infectious diseases, including tick-borne encephalitis virus.

A secondary form of brain inflammation can occur for the following reasons:

• chronic ENT diseases – sinusitis, sinusitis, frontal sinusitis;
• severe form of pneumonia;
• conjunctivitis;
• chicken pox suffered in adulthood;
• previously suffered meningitis or encephalitis, not completely cured.

As a rule, the inflammatory process develops as a result of various pathogens entering the brain tissue through the circulatory system.

The pathogen can penetrate through the air, the digestive system, or through contact with a sick person. An insect bite (tick bite, for example) that transmits tick-borne encephalitis is also dangerous.

Main symptoms

Symptoms indicating inflammation of the brain are quite varied. Signs of brain inflammation depend on the type of pathology, stage of the disease and localization of the source of inflammation. Most of the symptoms are the same for both meningitis and viral encephalitis.

Among the external visible first signs:

• general weakness and constant malaise;
• regular and prolonged attacks of severe headaches;
• vomiting attacks; high body temperature and hallucinations;
• pain in muscles and joints, cramps.

The manifestation of neurological symptoms is expressed as follows:

• stiffness in the joints and loss of coordination of movement;
• change in consciousness;
• violation of the swallowing process;
• problems with articulation;
• eye movement disorders.

The manifestation of symptoms in the mental sphere is expressed in the following:

• increased anxiety;
• the appearance of insomnia;
• frequent mood changes;
• the occurrence of hallucinations.

Mental disorders arise suddenly and manifest themselves in the form of delusions and psychoses. The patient may experience a psychomotor agitated state in which he behaves inappropriately and cannot independently control his actions.

In the case of a secondary type of pathology and the development of complications, the disease develops rapidly, and the symptoms manifest themselves much more strongly. In this case, the patient exhibits the following symptoms:

• pain becomes stronger, almost unbearable for the patient;
• intracranial pressure increases;
• the complexion becomes darker;
• there is acute sensitivity to bright light and smells;
• small rashes and red spots appear on the skin;
• sweating increases.

Similar symptoms can develop within a day, the patient experiences delirium and convulsions.

Diagnostics

You should consult a doctor and undergo the necessary diagnostic examination immediately after the first signs and unpleasant symptoms appear.

Diagnosis of the disease includes, first of all, a physical examination and study of the patient’s medical history and symptoms of the disease. Additional examination is required, which includes:

• lab tests. The following indicators will indicate the inflammatory process in the body: an increase in the number of leukocytes, lymphocytes, an increase in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, an increase in the content of fibrinogen and C-reactive protein;
• cerebrospinal fluid examination. The puncture is taken by puncturing the spinal canal in the lumbar region. When the disease occurs, there is an increase in the number of immune cells, protein, and a decrease
• amount of glucose. By appearance during the inflammatory process, the liquid is cloudy and yellowish;
• MRI. The procedure helps to accurately determine the location of the source of inflammation.

In addition, it is worth noting that MRI can reveal a number of dangerous pathologies, such as an early stage brain cancer.

Treatment

When the first symptoms of a brain disease appear, you should contact an ambulance, whose doctor should refer the patient to hospitalization and administer appropriate medications that will help temporarily reduce swelling of the brain.

The treatment course depends on the diagnostic results and the diagnosis made. Symptoms of brain inflammation may be similar to those of other diseases, as a result of which proper treatment is prescribed and begins much later.

The course of therapy includes the following methods of treating inflammation:

• etiotropic therapy - intended to eliminate the causes of the inflammatory process;
• pathogenetic direction - the use of drugs that stop processes leading to damage to brain tissue;
• Symptomatic therapy can reduce the manifestations of the disease.

The following drug therapy may be prescribed:

• To combat the pathogenic infection, antibacterial drugs are prescribed. As a rule, the course lasts at least 10 days, and the drug is administered as an injection;
• if the disease is of viral origin, it is necessary to take antiviral medications;
• taking antibiotics will be ineffective in case of a fungal disease. In this case, it is recommended to take antifungal drugs;
• Diuretics may be prescribed to relieve swelling;
• in case of seizures, anticonvulsant medications are prescribed;
• When the temperature rises and a febrile state, antipyretic drugs are prescribed.

The patient is recommended to be hospitalized in a specialized medical facility to ensure constant monitoring of breathing and the functioning of the cardiovascular system. Under no circumstances should you self-medicate.

It is very important to start proper treatment on time and as quickly as possible; every minute counts, since the consequences of brain inflammation are serious. Incorrect treatment may worsen the situation and lead to death.

In children, the disease is more severe than in adults; their bodies are not yet strong enough to fight such a terrible pathology.

Treatment of brain inflammation depends on the patient’s condition, symptoms and course of the disease. In any case, treatment should be comprehensive and under constant medical supervision.

After the course of treatment has been completed and the patient’s condition has improved, the patient needs rehabilitation measures. This will help reduce the effects of damage to brain tissue. During the recovery period, auxiliary rehabilitation measures are recommended: physical therapy classes, a massage course, physiotherapeutic procedures.

Possible complications

Inflammation of the brain in any of its manifestations is a very dangerous disease, especially its secondary form, which can lead to serious consequences and complications. The following possible consequences may occur with cerebral edema:

• hearing impairment;
• vision problems and development of strabismus;
• mental development disorder;
• memory impairment;
• the occurrence of epileptic seizures;
• problems with coordination of movements;
• cardiac dysfunction;
• coma.

The main danger is death. If left untreated, the patient may die within a week. There is also a possibility of such an outcome if you seek medical help late.

Inflammation of the brain can occur in mild form, but there is still a risk of complications, so it is important to promptly pay attention to the appearance of symptoms and consult a doctor in a timely manner.

Prevention

To prevent brain inflammation in any manifestation, special vaccines have been developed that produce immunity against viruses.

It should be borne in mind that it is impossible to completely protect yourself from the development of an inflammatory process in the brain, but you can reduce the risk of getting sick. To do this you need:

• adhere to a healthy lifestyle - give up bad habits, eat properly and nutritiously;
• exercise;
• prevent chronic forms of the disease - cure diseases on time and completely;
• try to avoid going out into nature during times of likelihood of an outbreak of encephalitis and tick activity.

Finally

Despite the fact that the inflammatory process in the brain is considered a fairly rare pathology, unfortunately, it can affect anyone.

It should be borne in mind that with a weakened immune system, the likelihood of developing any disease increases. Watch your health and take care of yourself!

Brain inflammation is a very serious pathology, which is characterized by the death of nerve cells and damage to the nervous system.

The disease may be infectious or allergic in nature. In most cases, it develops as an independent disease, but can be the result of a previously suffered pathology.

It is possible to defeat the disease with a timely diagnosis and competent immediate treatment.

Depending on the location of the lesion, there are two types of inflammation of the brain - encephalitis and meningitis.

Inflammation of the cerebral cortex can manifest itself in acute, subacute and chronic forms.

Each of them has its own specific manifestations and, accordingly, different treatment tactics.

Meningitis

With this disease, an inflammatory process of the lining of the brain develops; it can be provoked by:

• viruses;
• bacteria;
• fungi.

It is very important to recognize it in time - it can save the child’s life!

Encephalitis

With this pathology, the substance of the brain becomes inflamed. Depending on the form of the disease, it can be severe and lead to death or mild.

According to medical statistics, the disease is more often observed in childhood.

There are primary and secondary encephalitis. In the first case, the disease can develop after a tick bite, influenza or herpes.

The secondary form develops as a complication of certain diseases, namely:

• rubella;
• chicken pox;
• malaria;
• measles

Also, a secondary form of encephalitis can become a complication after vaccination.

Causes of brain inflammation

A person can experience brain inflammation at any age. According to medical statistics, children and middle-aged men are more likely to suffer from inflammatory brain disease. The development of this disease can be caused by a number of factors - from back and head injuries to certain types of infection.

Among the main reasons are:

• severe hypothermia;
• infectious diseases, including tick-borne encephalitis virus.

A secondary form of brain inflammation can occur for the following reasons:

• chronic ENT diseases – sinusitis, sinusitis, frontal sinusitis;
• severe form of pneumonia;
• conjunctivitis;
• chicken pox suffered in adulthood;
• previously suffered meningitis or encephalitis, not completely cured.

As a rule, the inflammatory process develops as a result of various pathogens entering the brain tissue through the circulatory system.

The pathogen can penetrate through the air, the digestive system, or through contact with a sick person. An insect bite (tick bite, for example) that transmits tick-borne encephalitis is also dangerous.

Main symptoms

Symptoms indicating inflammation of the brain are quite varied. Signs of brain inflammation depend on the type of pathology, stage of the disease and localization of the source of inflammation. Most of the symptoms are the same for both meningitis and viral encephalitis.

Among the external visible first signs:

• general weakness and constant malaise;
• regular and prolonged attacks of severe headaches;
• vomiting attacks; high body temperature and hallucinations;
• pain in muscles and joints, cramps.

The manifestation of neurological symptoms is expressed as follows:

• stiffness in the joints and loss of coordination of movement;
• change in consciousness;
• violation of the swallowing process;
• problems with articulation;
• eye movement disorders.

The manifestation of symptoms in the mental sphere is expressed in the following:

• increased anxiety;
• the appearance of insomnia;
• frequent mood changes;
• the occurrence of hallucinations.

Mental disorders arise suddenly and manifest themselves in the form of delusions and psychoses. The patient may experience a psychomotor agitated state in which he behaves inappropriately and cannot independently control his actions.

In the case of a secondary type of pathology and the development of complications, the disease develops rapidly, and the symptoms manifest themselves much more strongly. In this case, the patient exhibits the following symptoms:

• pain becomes stronger, almost unbearable for the patient;
• intracranial pressure increases;
• the complexion becomes darker;
• there is acute sensitivity to bright light and smells;
• small rashes and red spots appear on the skin;
• sweating increases.

Similar symptoms can develop within a day, the patient experiences delirium and convulsions.

Diagnostics

You should consult a doctor and undergo the necessary diagnostic examination immediately after the first signs and unpleasant symptoms appear.

Diagnosis of the disease includes, first of all, a physical examination and study of the patient’s medical history and symptoms of the disease. Additional examination is required, which includes:

• lab tests. The following indicators will indicate the inflammatory process in the body: an increase in the number of leukocytes, lymphocytes, an increase in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, an increase in the content of fibrinogen and C-reactive protein;
• cerebrospinal fluid examination. The puncture is taken by puncturing the spinal canal in the lumbar region. When the disease occurs, there is an increase in the number of immune cells, protein, and a decrease
• amount of glucose. In appearance, during the inflammatory process, the liquid is cloudy and yellowish;
• MRI. The procedure helps to accurately determine the location of the source of inflammation.

In addition, it is worth noting that MRI allows you to identify a number of dangerous pathologies, such as, for example, at an early stage.

Treatment

When the first symptoms of a brain disease appear, you should contact an ambulance, whose doctor should refer the patient to hospitalization and administer appropriate medications that will help temporarily reduce swelling of the brain.

The treatment course depends on the diagnostic results and the diagnosis made. Symptoms of brain inflammation may be similar to those of other diseases, as a result of which proper treatment is prescribed and begins much later.

The course of therapy includes the following methods of treating inflammation:

• etiotropic therapy - intended to eliminate the causes of the inflammatory process;
• pathogenetic direction - the use of drugs that stop processes leading to damage to brain tissue;
• Symptomatic therapy can reduce the manifestations of the disease.

The following drug therapy may be prescribed:

• To combat the pathogenic infection, antibacterial drugs are prescribed. As a rule, the course lasts at least 10 days, and the drug is administered as an injection;
• if the disease is of viral origin, it is necessary to take antiviral medications;
• taking antibiotics will be ineffective in case of a fungal disease. In this case, it is recommended to take antifungal drugs;
• Diuretics may be prescribed to relieve swelling;
• in case of seizures, anticonvulsant medications are prescribed;
• When the temperature rises and a febrile state, antipyretic drugs are prescribed.

The patient is recommended to be hospitalized in a specialized medical facility to ensure constant monitoring of breathing and the functioning of the cardiovascular system. Under no circumstances should you self-medicate.

It is very important to start proper treatment on time and as quickly as possible; every minute counts, since the consequences of brain inflammation are serious. Incorrect treatment can worsen the situation and lead to death.

In children, the disease is more severe than in adults; their bodies are not yet strong enough to fight such a terrible pathology.

Treatment of brain inflammation depends on the patient’s condition, symptoms and course of the disease. In any case, treatment should be comprehensive and under constant medical supervision.

After the course of treatment has been completed and the patient’s condition has improved, the patient needs rehabilitation measures. This will help reduce the effects of damage to brain tissue. During the recovery period, auxiliary rehabilitation measures are recommended: physical therapy classes, a massage course, physiotherapeutic procedures.

Possible complications

Inflammation of the brain in any of its manifestations is a very dangerous disease, especially its secondary form, which can lead to serious consequences and complications. The following possible consequences may occur with cerebral edema:

• hearing impairment;
• vision problems and development of strabismus;
• mental development disorder;
• memory impairment;
• the occurrence of epileptic seizures;
• problems with coordination of movements;
• cardiac dysfunction;
• coma.

The main danger is death. If left untreated, the patient may die within a week. There is also a possibility of such an outcome if you seek medical help late.

Inflammation of the brain can be mild, but there is still a risk of complications, so it is important to promptly pay attention to the appearance of symptoms and consult a doctor promptly.

Prevention

To prevent brain inflammation in any manifestation, special vaccines have been developed that produce immunity against viruses.

It should be borne in mind that it is impossible to completely protect yourself from the development of an inflammatory process in the brain, but you can reduce the risk of getting sick. To do this you need:

• adhere to a healthy lifestyle - give up bad habits, eat properly and nutritiously;
• exercise;
• prevent chronic forms of the disease - cure diseases on time and completely;
• try to avoid going out into nature during times of likelihood of an outbreak of encephalitis and tick activity.

Finally

Despite the fact that the inflammatory process in the brain is considered a fairly rare pathology, unfortunately, it can affect anyone.

It should be borne in mind that with a weakened immune system, the likelihood of developing any disease increases. Watch your health and take care of yourself!

Meningoencephalitis is a condition in which the patient develops inflammation of the membranes of the brain and spinal cord. The peculiarity of this disease is that it combines the symptoms of two quite serious diseases. It is characterized by the development of an inflammatory process in the brain substance. When inflammation of the membranes of the brain occurs. If both of these processes develop simultaneously in a patient, then he is diagnosed with meningoencephalitis. With concomitant damage to the spinal cord, development is likely. During the development of this disease, the patient exhibits meningeal, infectious, and variable focal symptoms. The inflammatory process can be initial or occur as a result of the development of a pathological process. If we are talking about secondary involvement of the medulla, then meningoencephalitis in this case is a complication of meningitis, but if the inflammation gradually spreads to the cerebral membranes, then the disease is a complication of encephalitis. This condition most often develops in children younger age, which is associated with the immaturity of the immune system and the blood-brain barrier.

Pathogenesis

The development of the disease is provoked viruses(tick-borne encephalitis virus, West Nile virus) bacteria(Neisseria meningitidis, Listeria monocytogenes, Treponema pallidum, Rickettsia prowazekii), protozoa(Toxoplasma gondii, Trypanosoma brucei, Naegleria fowleri (Fowler's naegleria)).

After the pathogen invades the body, an inflammatory process develops in the brain tissue. Its nature depends on the type of infectious agent. As the disease progresses, perivascular inflammatory infiltrates develop, resulting in deterioration of cerebral circulation. What happens next is that production is activated, and this leads to an increase in intracranial pressure. The membranes of the brain are irritated and meningeal syndrome develops.

In the process of inflammation of the cerebral substance, various inflammatory foci are formed. Since the functions of neurons located in the foci of inflammation are disrupted, focal symptoms are formed. Mass death of nerve cells occurs, and persistent neurological deficit occurs.

Classification

IN modern medicine Meningoencephalitis is classified according to several different criteria.

From the point of view of the etiology of the disease, the following types are distinguished:

• Viral - its development is provoked by viruses, enteroviruses, etc. It is distinguished by the serous nature of the changes.
• Bacterial - it is provoked by pneumo-, strepto-, meningococci, hemophilus influenzae. This type is characterized by a purulent nature of the changes.
• Protozoal is a rare type of disease that is caused by toxoplasma, amoeba and other protozoa.
• Fungal - mainly develops in people with impaired immune system functions. Sometimes diagnosed in people with HIV/AIDS.

Taking into account the type of inflammatory process, the following classification of the disease is used:

• Purulent - during the development of the inflammatory process, pus is formed, which leads to clouding of the cerebrospinal fluid. Predominance is noted.
• Serous - during the development of inflammation, a serous discharge is formed. The cerebrospinal fluid is transparent and predominates.
• Hemorrhagic - this type is characterized by a violation of the permeability of the walls cerebral vessels. As a result, petechial hemorrhages occur in the tissues.

Taking into account the characteristics of the course clinical process The following classification is used:

• Lightning fast - develops very quickly, over several hours. In most cases, this form of the disease is fatal.
• Acute - in this case, the symptoms increase more slowly. Their development is observed over 1-2 days.
• Subacute – the process develops gradually, the deterioration of the patient’s condition takes a period from 1 day to 1 week.
• Chronic – inflammation can last a long time, from several months to several years. Exacerbations and remissions occur periodically. Acute and subacute types of the disease can gradually develop into a chronic form.

In turn, acute meningoencephalitis can be primary and secondary.

• Primary - this form develops directly in the brain due to exposure to various pathogens.
• Secondary - is a complication of another disease due to weakening.

There are also several types of disease depending on the pathogen:

• Tuberculosis - develops against the background of lung disease or as a result of contact with people suffering from an open form of tuberculosis. Treatment of this disease is carried out in a specialized hospital by phthisiatricians.
• Herpetic - the disease threatens with serious consequences. During development, pronounced cerebral and toxic symptoms, increasing cerebral edema, and neuronal death are observed. This type of disease can occur in newborns, since infection often occurs during childbirth, or even before birth - through the placenta. However, this form also affects adults.
• Purulent meningoencephalitis - this type of inflammatory process is caused by group B or D streptococci, Haemophilus influenzae or Escherichia coli, etc. Most often, this form of the disease affects people with, as well as those who have recently suffered a head injury or surgery in this area. Pathogenic microorganisms that provoke the development of this form of the disease multiply more actively if there are foci of chronic infection in the body. As a rule, the course is acute, but a fulminant or chronic course is also possible.
• Influenza hemorrhagic - develops after influenza. In this case, the person’s body temperature quickly rises, clouding of consciousness is noted, and the patient may fall into a coma.
• Double-wave viral meningoencephalitis - the disease is carried by ixodid ticks, which infect animals, and people, in turn, become infected by consuming contaminated milk. It usually develops in spring and summer, when tick activity increases. It's going hard. The disease begins with headache, fever, and vomiting. After a few days, the patient’s condition improves, but after another ten days the second stage of the disease begins, when the work of the brain centers is disrupted.
• Toxoplasmosis - this form is provoked by protozoa. As the disease develops, internal organs and the nervous system are affected, and there is a lack of coordination and muscle pain.
• Vaccinal - appears 1-2 weeks after vaccination.
• Gummous - manifests itself in tertiary syphilis.
• Ornithosis is a serous-hemorrhagic form that develops with severe ornithosis.
• Mumps – provoked by the mumps virus.
• Rheumatic - develops against the background.
• Cytomegalic – affects newborns and infants with cytomegaly.
• Amoebic is a rare form. Infection can occur in freshwater bodies. It is caused by the single-celled organism Naegleria Fowler. Negleriosis It proceeds rapidly and affects the nervous system.
• Brucellosis - damage occurs to the soft tissues of the meninges, where brucellosis granulomas are formed. It is difficult to treat and causes paralysis and mental disorders.

The main cause of this disease is infection. Neurotropic pathogens penetrate the cerebral structures, or the infectious process spreads from nearby foci or as a result of common infectious diseases.

Infection is possible due to the following phenomena:

• When the pathogen enters the nasopharynx. A person becomes infected through airborne droplets and nutritional methods. The infection enters the cranial cavity through the hematogenous route.
• When a person is bitten by an insect. Infection occurs through transmission. The insect carries a pathogen that, during a bite, enters the blood and with it into the cerebral tissue.
• When infectious processes develop in the body. If a person is sick or develops purulent processes (otitis, etc.), hematogenous spread of a bacterial infection can occur. Sometimes meningoencephalitis in children and adults develops after suffering. The disease can become a complication of encephalitis, meningitis, rubella, measles.
• After a traumatic brain injury has occurred. If the injury in children or adults is open, there is a possibility of infection through contact. Statistics show that post-traumatic meningoencephalitis is diagnosed in approximately 1-3.5% of people with TBI.
• After vaccination has been carried out. If the immune system is weakened, and at the same time it was introduced live vaccine, an infectious process may develop. Pathogens penetrate the blood-brain barrier.

However, it is important to understand that this terrible disease does not always develop after infectious agents enter the body. The following factors contribute to its manifestation:

• weakened body;
• immature immune system;
• immunodeficiency;
• autoimmune reactions;
• massive infection.

Symptoms of brain inflammation

During the development of meningoencephalitis, which is a very serious disease, general septic symptoms develop. Symptoms of inflammation of the cerebral cortex and its membranes may be as follows:

• Body temperature rises sharply and begins;
• feeling the urge to vomit;
• severe headache;
• absent ;
• hearing deteriorates;
• photophobia and increased sensitivity to sounds are noted;
• seizures may develop;
• stiff neck is observed;
• blood pressure rises;
• inhibition is noted.

If inflammation of the cortex or membranes of the brain occurs, specific symptoms brain tissue:

• coordination is impaired;
• sometimes skin rashes occur;
• the nerves of the skull are affected;
• develops anisoreflexia.

Symptoms of inflammation of the blood vessels of the brain and its cortex in children manifest themselves similarly. Along with a sharp rise in body temperature, signs of intoxication of the body are noted: severe headache, nausea and vomiting. Acute inflammation of the blood vessels and cortex affects the nervous system and provokes the development of increased sensitivity to external stimuli and the manifestation of general anxiety.

It should be noted that the clinical picture of the disease develops very quickly, and signs of this disease begin to appear already in the first or second day. At this time, tension in the muscles of the neck and back is noted, and this symptom is most noticeable in young children.

It is important to note that if a number of signs appear, emergency assistance should be called immediately. The following signs should alert you:

• convulsions;
• loss of consciousness;
• disorientation;
• oculomotor disorders.

If the course of meningoencephalitis is complicated, the following manifestations develop:

• rare and irregular heartbeat;
• speech and swallowing disorders;
• shallow and rapid breathing;
• state of coma (with fulminant course).

With the development of cerebral edema, death is likely.

Tests and diagnostics

To establish a diagnosis, the doctor first of all assesses the patient’s condition, examines and interviews the patient and his relatives. It is important for a specialist to determine whether the patient has recently suffered an infectious disease, a head injury, a tick bite, or whether a vaccination has been performed. After this he appoints necessary research. It is very important that if the threatening symptoms described above appear, the patient is immediately taken to the hospital.

It is important to differentiate meningoencephalitis from major strokes, brain tumors, toxic lesions of the central nervous system, and progressive degenerative diseases.

Since meningoencephalitis in adults and children is severe, its treatment must be carried out in a hospital. Therapy for the disease in adults and children should be comprehensive; it is prescribed depending on the cause that provoked meningoencephalitis.

Antibacterial treatment is carried out, sulfonamide and antifungal agents are taken, immunocorrective and detoxification treatment is carried out. Vitamin complexes and medications are also prescribed to improve the rheological properties of the blood, and a high-calorie diet is recommended.

The doctors

Medicines

The following medications may be prescribed to treat this disease:

Complex treatment involves the use of physiotherapy and reflexology methods.

When the patient's condition improves, he is prescribed a rehabilitation complex aimed at restoring nervous functions. For this purpose, massage, physiotherapy, physical therapy, etc. are used.

Prevention

• The most important method of prevention is timely vaccination. Vaccinations are given in childhood in accordance with the existing vaccination calendar. Vaccination against meningococcal and pneumococcal infection, Haemophilus influenzae.
• People in contact with patients are given prophylaxis with antibacterial drugs.
• During epidemics of influenza and ARVI, you should have less contact with patients and avoid large crowds of people.
• It is important to exercise, practice adequate hardening and eat right.

Treatment with folk remedies

Under no circumstances should meningoencephalitis be treated at home without medical supervision. This is fraught with serious complications and death. Therefore any traditional methods can be used exclusively to alleviate the patient’s condition and only after approval by a doctor.

• Lavender officinalis. This remedy has a diuretic, sedative and anticonvulsant effect. To prepare the infusion, 3 tsp. Lavender flowers need to be poured with 2 cups of boiling water and left for half an hour.
• Chamomile officinalis. Soothes and relieves pain. Used in the form of tea, for the preparation of which 1 tbsp. l. pour 1 cup of boiling water over the flowers and leave for 15 minutes.
• Peppermint. Anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory and diuretic. To prepare 1 tbsp. l. mint leaves are poured with 1 cup of boiling water and left for 15 minutes.
• Cranberry juice. It is prepared for patients who suffer from fever. This drink contains a lot, and it also produces an antimicrobial effect.
• Rosehip decoction. For loss of strength, headaches, and also to increase the body's resistance, a decoction is effective, which is prepared by pouring 1 tbsp. l. rose hips with a glass of boiling water. After boiling for 10 minutes, leave the product for another half hour and drink half a glass three times a day.
• Collection of herbs for headaches. For severe headaches, you can use a collection of such medicinal plants: Primrose root, peppermint leaves, lavender flowers, valerian root, rosemary leaves. You need to take 5 g of each herb, pour 200 ml of boiling water over the mixture, leave and drink 1 tbsp. 3 times a day.
• Lime tea. It helps relieve pain and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. 1 tbsp. l. linden color you need to pour a glass of boiling water, insist and take it as tea.
• Extract for compresses. Mix 20 g of peppermint leaves, lemon balm, and coriander fruits. Pour in 100 ml of alcohol and 20 ml of water. After 24 hours, you can soak gauze in the product and apply it to your temples and the back of your head if you have a headache.
• Baths. After removing the acute symptoms of the disease, you can periodically take baths to help calm the nervous system. To prepare such baths, pine needle extract and chamomile decoction are used.

First aid

If there is a suspicion that the patient is showing symptoms of meningoencephalitis, he should be hospitalized immediately. In case of seizures, it is important to support the person's head to avoid injury. Before emergency help arrives, if you have severe headaches, you can give a pain reliever (.

If infectious-toxic shock develops, infusion therapy is performed ().

If indicated, a breathing tube is inserted into the trachea to artificial ventilation lungs.

Meningoencephalitis in children

In children, this disease is severe. Characteristic is a large number of neurological complications leading to disability, high mortality. The disease sometimes develops immediately after the birth of the baby. Because acute form The disease can lead to death, it is very important to promptly diagnose the disease in a child and begin its treatment.

The main symptoms of the disease in children are a sharp rise in temperature with signs of severe intoxication of the body, increased sensitivity to external stimuli, and restlessness.

Within a day or two, babies notice muscle tension in the back and neck. In infants, a large fontanelle swells. Kernig's and Brudzinski's signs (symptoms associated with irritation of the meninges) are positive.

Children who have suffered this disease should be constantly monitored by a neurologist and follow all the doctor’s recommendations.

Diet

If you have meningoencephalitis, you need to eat a nutritious and varied diet. Doctors recommend adhering to the following recommendations:

• Reduce the amount of salt.
• Introduce a sufficient amount of easily digestible protein products into the diet - milk, fish, meat, eggs.
• You need to consume about 100 g of fat per day.
• It is important to include a sufficient amount of vitamin-rich foods in your diet to prevent deficiency of substances important for the body. Products with high content are especially important vitamin B(vegetables, bran, meat, yeast).
• You can't practice low-calorie eating.

The consequences of meningoencephalitis can be very serious, especially if treatment is not started on time. A serious complication of this disease is infectious-toxic shock, which develops as a result of the release of dead cells, toxins and waste products of microorganisms into the blood in large quantities.

The consequences of meningoencephalitis in adults can be manifested by the development of cerebral edema due to the accumulation of escudate in cerebral tissues. In turn, cerebral edema in adults and children leads to the fact that the brain structures are displaced and infringe on the trunk, resulting in progressive bulbar palsy. This condition is fraught with the development of cardiac and respiratory failure.

The consequences of meningoencephalitis in children may be similar. If the disease progresses, children may develop cerebral edema, increased cerebral pressure. In young children, the disease can lead to mental retardation.

Forecast

The earlier treatment of the disease was started, the greater the patient’s chances of recovery. Its success depends on the form of the disease and the correctness of therapy. In general, the disease is severe and the mortality rate is high. The long-term prognosis depends on how severely the brain is affected.

List of sources

• Vilensky B.S. Emergency conditions in neuropathology. - Leningrad: Medicine, 1986.
• Romanova E.B., Pshenichnaya N.Yu., Koshevko I.A., Usatkin A.V., Shmailenko O.A., Dudarev I.V. Infectious diseases and epidemiology: textbook /
• IN AND. Pokrovsky, S.G. Pak, N.I. Briko; 3rd ed., rev. and additional – M., 2013. – 1008 p.: ill.
• Zavodnova O.S. Meningoencephalitis in newborns with congenital malformations of the nervous system: neurosonographic comparisons, outcomes // Fundamental Research. – 2014. – No. 10-1. – P. 80-84;
• A case of acute enteroviral meningoencephalitis, which occurred in combination with cytomegalovirus infection// Modern problems of science and education. – 2015. – No. 5.

Brain inflammation is a dangerous disease during which cells gradually begin to die. Developing damage to the central nervous system is also observed. Pathology is usually caused by infections. The development of the inflammatory process occurs as an independent pathology, but in some cases, inflammation in the head becomes a consequence of another disease.

If the correct and timely diagnosis, doctors will prescribe adequate treatment, then the disease can be completely eliminated without serious consequences and complications for the person.

It is customary to distinguish between two main types of inflammatory processes in the brain. They are called meningitis and encephalitis. It all depends on the location of the inflammatory focus.

• Meningitis. With the development of this pathology, inflammation in the meninges is observed. The disease can be provoked by bacterial, viral, fungal pathogenic microorganisms.
• Encephalitis. With the development of this disease, inflammation of the white matter occurs. The course of the disease can be mild or severe (in the latter case, the likelihood of death increases significantly if drug or surgical treatment is not prescribed in a timely manner).

According to statistics, encephalitic inflammation of the brain is usually diagnosed in patients under the age of 14 years (more than 60% of cases). It is customary to distinguish between two types of encephalitis: primary and secondary.

• Primary encephalitis develops as a consequence of an encephalitis tick bite, or against the background of a severe form of influenza or herpes.
• Secondary encephalitis is always a complication of various pathologies (for example, measles, malaria, chickenpox, rubella). IN last years Secondary encephalitis has been repeatedly recorded after children were vaccinated with low-quality vaccines.

Pathology can develop in three forms: acute, chronic, subacute.

Reasons for the development of the disease

Regardless of the statistics, a person at any age can develop inflammation of the cerebral cortex, white matter, or membrane. But in more than 70% of cases, pathologies of this type are observed in children (under the age of 14 years) and in men aged 20 to 45 years. The disease can begin to develop as a result of various factors. By and large, the trigger for the disease can be not only infectious lesions of the brain, but also, for example, back injuries, diseases of other organs, a stroke, etc.

The main reasons for the development of inflammation in the head include:

• Hypothermia (of the whole body and head in particular).
• Infectious pathologies (in 90% of cases this is encephalitis due to a tick bite).
• Chronic colds and diseases of the ear, nose and throat area (for example, rhinitis, sinusitis, sinusitis), which are not treated at the proper level.
• Previous severe pneumonia (pneumonia).
• Chickenpox (in children, chickenpox cannot cause inflammation of the brain - only in adults).
• Conjunctivitis (under certain circumstances).
• Untreated encephalitis or meningitis.

Inflammation begins due to the penetration of various pathogenic microorganisms (usually in large quantities) through the brain. They enter the human body through airborne droplets, through the digestive system, and through direct contact with a sick person. Of particular danger are the bites of various insects that carry tick-borne encephalitis (this can be not only ticks).

Inflammation of the brain is a very common disease in cats and dogs, the treatment of which is routine practice in the veterinary field.

Symptoms

Signs of brain inflammation are very diverse - specific symptoms will depend on the type and form of the disease, the stage of development of the pathology and the location in which the main inflammatory focus is localized.

The diagnosis of the disease is facilitated by the fact that the symptoms of encephalitis (caused by a virus) and meningitis are approximately similar.

The most common and pronounced symptoms of brain inflammation, with which you can immediately suspect the disease, are:

• A state of constant weakness, a significant decrease in performance, causeless malaise (for example, after sleep or a long rest).
• Systematic long-term attacks of pain in the head that are not relieved by common medications for headaches (a common characteristic of the inflammatory process in the meninges).
• Constant vomiting, severe nausea, significant increase in body temperature.
• Drawing and prolonged pain in the muscles and joints; in the later stages of the disease, manifestations in the form of cramps may be observed.
• There is also a possibility of developing visual or auditory hallucinations (also in later stages).

It should be highlighted neurological symptoms inflammation of the cerebral cortex, which will clearly indicate the presence of an inflammatory process:

• Problems with coordination of movements, stiffness in the joints.
• The patient loses the ability to swallow.
• Patients experience various changes in consciousness.
• There are certain disturbances in articulation (of varying severity).
• Eye movements are almost always impaired.

With inflammation in the cerebral cortex, psycho-emotional symptoms are sure to appear: sleep problems, constant anxiety, mood swings, visual and auditory hallucinations. The main problem of psycho-emotional symptoms during the development of the inflammatory process in the brain is the suddenness of their occurrence and equally rapid extinction. Disorders of this type can manifest as psychosis or delusional states. Patients often encounter psychomotor agitation which is characterized by inappropriate behavior, increased irritability, inability to control one’s own actions, lack of understanding of the current situation.

With the development of secondary inflammation of the brain, rapid progression of the pathology is observed, so the symptoms are usually stronger and more pronounced. Patients in this situation experience following symptoms inflammation of the head:

• Severe headache, pain in joints, muscles, in different parts of the body, which is difficult to relieve even with the help of potent drugs. Patients call this pain unbearable.
• There is a significant increase in intracranial pressure.
• The skin of the face noticeably darkens and takes on an unhealthy tint.
• Reddish spots appear on the skin over the entire surface of the body in the form of a small rash.
• Chills (patients feel cold even in hot weather).
• The level of sweating increases significantly, which can even lead to mild forms of dehydration.

Symptoms of this type develop in about 1-2 days. The patient may also experience seizures and delirium during this time period.

Diagnosis of the disease

Due to the fact that the inflammatory process in the brain (in the membrane, in the cortex, in the trunk) can develop rapidly, timely diagnosis of the pathology is extremely important. Therefore, at the first symptoms, it is recommended to contact a doctor directly at the clinic or call an ambulance, which will take the patient to the hospital.

High accuracy of establishing the correct diagnosis is possible already at the first symptoms of the disease. During diagnostic procedures, doctors examine the patient, study his medical history, and clarify the signs of pathology.

Diagnosis of the disease in young children is difficult. In a newborn child, it is not easy to differentiate the symptoms, so in such cases, adequate treatment begins only after specific diagnostics (CT, etc.).

The patient is required to be sent for additional examinations. According to the doctor's decision, they can be as follows:

• Blood and urine tests. First you need to establish that it is inflammation that develops in the body, and nothing else. The results of a standard blood test may indicate elevated levels of white blood cells and lymphocytes, an increase in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and also provide other important indicators, indicating the presence of an inflammatory process (the location of its localization is not specified).
• Analysis of fluid from the spinal cord. If an inflammatory process in the brain is suspected, a fluid puncture from the spinal cord must be taken from the patient (the spinal cord canal in the lumbar area is pierced). If there is inflammation of the head, then in the analysis results doctors will see a significant increase in the volume of immune cells and an excess of standard protein indicators, and a low glucose content. Also, when infected, the cerebrospinal fluid will have a yellowish tint and noticeable turbidity (the same thing is recorded with inflammation of the spine).
• Magnetic resonance imaging. Using MRI, the exact location of the inflammatory focus in the human brain can be quickly established.

Treatment

Different parts of the brain in women, men and children can become inflamed due to various injuries and infections. It is possible to begin to treat such diseases only after the root cause of the development of the pathology has been determined and the factor that caused the inflammation has been eliminated.

The first thing the patient does after an ambulance or a visit to the clinic is immediately hospitalized, after which special medications are administered, the effect of which is aimed at reducing swelling and reducing the manifestation of symptoms of the disease.

The principles of therapy will depend on the diagnostic results and the type of pathology. The symptoms of the disease are partly similar to many other diseases of the brain and spinal cord, as well as mental disorders, so it is extremely important to make the correct diagnosis and carry out all the necessary additional examinations.

After the diagnosis has been made, a treatment course begins, which includes various therapeutic techniques, the choice of which depends on a number of factors (patient’s age, type of disease, stage of its development, etc.):

• Etiotropic treatment (such therapy is required to eliminate the factors that caused the development of inflammation).
• Pathogenetic treatment (various drugs are used, the action of which is aimed at stopping processes that can damage nerve endings in the brain and brain tissue).
• Symptomatic treatment (signs of pathology are eliminated or weakened).

Drug therapy is mandatory, which is necessary in any case, regardless of the characteristics of the development of the disease, its type and stage.

• To eliminate focal infectious phenomena in the patient’s body, antibacterial treatment is carried out (the duration of the course of antibiotics is about 10-14 days). Injection administration of the drug is recommended.
• If the disease is caused by the negative impact of the virus on the human body, then the patient is prescribed antiviral medications.
• If the disease appears as a result of a fungal infection, then antibiotics in this case will be useless, so antimycotic drugs are prescribed.
• To eliminate swelling in the brain (frontal, occipital and other lobes), the use of diuretics is recommended (but only as prescribed by a doctor).
• If seizures appear as symptoms of inflammation, anticonvulsants must be prescribed.
• The use of potent antipyretics and painkillers is allowed if the patient has elevated temperature and a state close to feverish.

In the absence of positive dynamics after drug therapy the corresponding operation is carried out.

It is forbidden to treat inflammation of the brain using folk remedies (they can be additional therapy, but by no means the only one). Self-medication for such a serious pathology can result in the most dangerous consequences.

Treatment can only be carried out in medical institution in stationary mode. The patient requires constant monitoring - it is necessary to systematically check the functioning of his respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

In patients under the age of 14 years with inflammation of the brain, a severe course is almost always observed (much more severe than in adults). The child’s body is not yet strong enough to fight such a complex disease.

Selected by a doctor therapeutic tactics each case is unique, so the use of universal solutions in the treatment of brain inflammation is a categorically incorrect and ineffective approach. Therapy should also be comprehensive and carried out in a hospital setting and not at home.

After a hospital stay, the patient needs long-term rehabilitation (especially if the course of the disease was severe and the treatment was long). Carrying out various rehabilitation measures will reduce the risk of damage to nerves and tissue in the brain. Most often, patients in this case are prescribed: exercise therapy, massage treatments, physiotherapy and other procedures as indicated.

Possible complications

The presence of an inflammatory process in the brain (regardless of the type of disease and the stage of its development) is an extremely dangerous condition for human health. Even after a completely cured pathology, the patient may encounter various unpleasant consequences and complications:

• Hearing problems.
• Trouble remembering new information and reproducing the old one.
• Strabismus (in various forms), progressive deterioration of vision (usually myopia).
• Decreased intellectual abilities.
• Development of various forms of epilepsy.
• Malfunction of the thyroid gland and other internal organs.
• Problems with coordination of movements.
• Disturbances in the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

When there is inflammation in the brain, there is almost always a possibility of death. If adequate treatment is not carried out, the patient may well die within 4-7 days after the first symptoms of the disease appear.