Viral Encephalitis Symptoms

Viral encephalitis is swelling of the brain that occurs because of a viral infection. In the United States, the condition is rather rare, occurring in only two out of every 1 million people, according to Healthline. Those who do contract the virus display a variety of symptoms.

Common Symptoms

• The Physicians' Desk Reference reports that the most common symptoms of viral encephalitis are fever and headache. Lethargy is another common symptom.

Mild Symptoms

• Other symptoms that occur more frequently include joint pain and irritability. In mild cases, the symptoms mimic those of influenza, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Severe Mental Symptoms

• In more severe cases, patients sometimes develop mental symptoms, including confusion, hallucinations and personality change.

Severe Physical Symptoms

• Double vision, seizures, muscle weakness, reduced sense of touch, paralysis, tremors, rashes and a complete loss of consciousness are among the physical symptoms of more severe viral encephalitis infections.

Children's Symptoms

• An infant's soft spot or fontanels often bulges as a result of viral encephalitis. Body stiffness, vomiting and crying that cannot be soothed through normal consolation are other symptoms that present in children and babies.