Encephalitis in children

Children are unfortunately particularly vulnerable to encephalitis: an uncommon but serious condition in which the brain becomes inflamed. Flu-like symptoms are often the first tell-tale sign, quickly becoming much more severe and even life-threatening with the onset of confusion and other symptoms related to the brain and nervous system. 

If you suspect your child has encephalitis, don’t delay: call 999 straight away or take them to the closest emergency department.

Treatments for encephalitis in children

Speed is of the essence when treating encephalitis. The earlier your child gets diagnosed and treated, the better. The cause and nature of their encephalitis will determine what your consultant suggests as the best course of treatment for your child. 

Treatments may include: 

• Antiviral medication (for infectious encephalitis)
• Autoimmune medication (for autoimmune encephalitis) 
• Painkillers to target your child’s fever
• Specialist medication to control your child’s fits 
• Oxygen support to help your child’s breathing 

Depending on the severity of your child's condition, they could be treated at home or have a stay in hospital lasting anything from days to weeks, or even months.

Symptoms of encephalitis in children

There are two types of encephalitis which will bring on different symptoms in a child.

1) Infectious encephalitis usually starts with milder flu-like symptoms: 

• Headache 
• High temperature

More serious symptoms can follow hours, days or weeks later. These include:

• Confusion
• Drowsiness 
• Light sensitivity
• Loss of consciousness
• Movement problems
• Neck stiffness
• Seizures

2) Autoimmune encephalitis is usually symptomless at first but can develop into:

• Confusion
• Disturbed sleep
• Hallucinations
• Memory loss
• Movement problems
• Psychosis
• Seizures

Causes of encephalitis

Infectious encephalitis is very rare and happens when a common infection reaches a child’s brain. Typical viruses known to trigger this include:

• Herpes simplex which also cause cold sores
• Varicella zoster which also causes chickenpox and shingles
• Rubella, measles and mumps viruses

Autoimmune encephalitis occurs when a child’s immune system stops functioning as it should and starts attacking their brain, causing it to react and become inflamed

Rare causes are bacterial or fungal infections caused by mosquitoes in Southeast Asia and ticks in Europe, Russia and parts of Asia. The risk in the UK is very low.

While encephalitis does not always have a clear cause, it cannot be caught from another person.