What Are the Signs of Encephalitis in Children?

The most common signs of encephalitis in children are headache, gastrointestinal symptoms, stiffness, weakness, shaking, confusion, and personality changes. Encephalitis in children is more common than in healthy adults, and it is important to recognize the signs of the condition because they can be mild but may develop into serious problems. The condition usually results from a viral infection that either originates in the brain or travels to the brain from another part of the body, causing the brain to swell. Severe encephalitis can cause seizures, breathing difficulties, and coma, and some effects of the condition may last for years or be permanent, such as memory problems, loss of coordination, and speech, vision, and hearing problems.

Two of the most common symptoms of encephalitis in children are headache and fever, which may range from mild to severe. Many other conditions can lead to a headache, and fevers are common with any infection or ailment. Children with persistent headaches or who experience these symptoms in conjunction with other encephalitis symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible.

Mild encephalitis infections often cause children to have a poor appetite and develop a general ill feeling. More severe infections may cause nausea and vomiting with no other apparent cause. Gastrointestinal symptoms may begin as mild complaints and quickly progress to severe vomiting and persistent nausea as the brain swells.

Infants and children often develop a stiff body in response to encephalitis. Stiffness is typically more pronounced in the neck, but it can occur anywhere in the body, especially in infants. Infants may also develop swelling or bulging around their soft spots. Stiffness often occurs simultaneously with headache and fever when it is a symptom of encephalitis in children.

Many children with encephalitis find it difficult to control their muscles due to weakness. This may present as difficulty walking or performing simple tasks. As the condition worsens, some children begin shaking or develop tremors, and may progress into full seizures. Any child who suffers a seizure or severe tremors should receive emergency medical treatment.

More severe encephalitis infections can cause many different mental symptoms. Children with the condition may appear confused or disoriented. They may also display drastic personality changes, such as changing moods very quickly without any external cause. Some children suffer hallucinations as their brains swell due to encephalitis, and they may have difficulty remembering things, even on a short-term basis.