Encephalitis
Encephalitis is the medical term used to describe severe inflammation of the brain tissue. Encephalitis is either caused by a bacterial or viral infection.
- What is encephalitis?
- Effects of encephalitis
- Physiotherapy treatment for encephalitis
- Benefits of physiotherapy treatment for encephalitis
What is encephalitis?
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain tissue. Encephalitis is either caused by a bacterial or a viral infection, or an irregular autoimmune response in which the bodys own immune system attacks the brain tissue causing it to become inflamed.
In most circumstances the brain is effectively protected from infection by a thick membrane, which is known as the blood brain barrier. However in a minority of people an infection can penetrate the blood-brain barrier. The infection can then enter brain cells and nerve cells causing them to become inflamed. Inflammation causes the brain cells and nerve cells to become damaged, resulting in a loss of normal brain function.
Encephalitis can permanently damage the brain tissues, resulting in an acquired brain injury. If encephalitis is not medically treated as soon as possible then it can lead to a coma and eventually death.
Effects of encephalitis
Initially encephalitis presents itself by way of flu like symptoms such as a high temperature, headaches, stiffness and fatigue. However the headache you experience may become more severe and you may begin to vomit. Instances in which your body temperature is extremely high often result in confusion, drowsiness, and seizures.
The majority of people with encephalitis make a good recovery following immediate medical diagnosis and treatment. However, in a few cases some individuals experience long term complications due to the severity of damage to the brain as a result of encephalitis. Physiotherapy treatment can help with the following effects of encephalitis:
- Difficulties planning a movement.
- Lack of coordination between generating new ideas physically carrying them out.
- Poor coordination.
- The inability to perform an action requiring skill and precision.
- The inability to perform purposeful action.
At Liverpool Neuro Physio our experienced neurological physiotherapists can provide a wide array of treatments to help address the motor difficulties you experience following encephalitis. If you experience difficulties moving limbs, balancing and coordinating then physiotherapy can help address these problems.
Physiotherapy treatment for encephalitis
In order to maximise your recovery following encephalitis it is important that physiotherapy treatment is initiated as soon as possible in order to maintain and improve the current level of functional ability you possess. At Liverpool Neuro Physio your physiotherapist will:
- Provide assistance in task practice. Your physiotherapist can teach you simple techniques to break down a task into simple steps in order to perform it effectively.
- Provide gait training in order to improve the coordination of your limbs during walking.
- Provide strengthening exercises to maintain muscle strength and minimise the occurrence of muscle wastage, which is often a secondary complication of inactivity.
- If appropriate, provide advice on additional equipment to increase your functional independence.
The long term complications experienced as a result of encephalitis are very inhibiting and they often make it difficult to carry out simple everyday tasks. At Liverpool Neuro Physio our experienced neurological physiotherapists can provide you with the advice and treatments you need in order to cope with your condition and maintain your functional independence in order to make your life as fulfilled as possible.
Benefits of physiotherapy treatment for encephalitis
The bodys response to physiotherapy treatment depends upon the severity of brain injury and the long term complications experienced as a result of Encephalitis. Benefits of physiotherapy treatment for the long term motor complications experienced as a result of Encephalitis may include:
- Improved coordination
- Improved balance
- Improved muscle control
- Reduced anxiety
- Improved confidence
- Improved independence
- Improved quality of life
At Liverpool Neuro Physio our experienced physiotherapists aim to improve your functional abilities where possible by providing you with effective treatments to manage the long term complications you may experience following encephalitis.
To arrange an appointment or to speak to one of our specialists, call us on 0151 558 0188 or email office@liverpoolneurophysio.co.uk.