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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.

  1. 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.

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