Patient's question:
The patient is a 5-year-old boy. Upon admission, he was diagnosed with viral encephalitis. He has undergone cerebrospinal fluid tests, CT scans, MRI, and EEG. However, he still experiences brief headaches. He has been taking medication for a week, but the headache has not improved yet. What should be done?Doctor's answer:
Viral encephalitis tends to occur later. Many patients with viral encephalitis can fully recover. The chances of survival and recovery largely depend on the type of virus. If bacterial meningitis is treated promptly, the mortality rate is less than 10%. However. If diagnosis and treatment are delayed, it can cause irreversible brain damage or even death. Especially for infants and the elderly. Most people can fully recover. Some sequelae require lifelong treatment. Herpes encephalitis can cause severe brain damage. But it can be treated with acyclovir. To ensure better recovery, treatment should be started as early as possible before entering a coma. Adults tend to have better recovery after rehabilitation. While children need a longer recovery period. Infants may suffer irreversible damage. Oral painkillers can also be used for symptomatic treatment.