Patient's question:
My son is 4 years old. A few days ago, he wasn't feeling well, so we took him to the hospital for a check-up. The doctor said he had hand, foot, and mouth disease. The doctor gave us some medicine and then went home. Yesterday, I heard that this disease might cause encephalitis. Is that true? What symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease can lead to encephalitis?Doctor's answer:
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is caused by a viral infection. If hand, foot, and mouth disease causes fever, it may lead to the development of blisters on the hands, feet, and mouth. Nausea, vomiting, and headache symptoms may also occur. If nausea, vomiting, and headache symptoms appear, it is necessary to go to the hospital for further examination. Brain (EEG) and brain CT scans can be considered for diagnosis. Symptomatic treatment is required. If encephalitis occurs, antiviral drug treatment can be combined. Treatment can be adjusted based on clinical symptoms.