I am attempting to Complete a Marathon a Month in 2020 to raise money & awareness for Encephalitis, its an illness I’ve unfortunately witnessed closely with one of the most important people in my life suffering a severe case of this rare & practically unknown disease, thankfully they made a full recovery and is living there life to the fullest ☺️ For many though they are not so lucky, I wouldn’t want anyone else to go through this situation and witness there loved ones go through this without the help and support we all deserve in our times of need. I hope i can make a difference and make some money to help fund this lesser known but serious conditions research and associated charities, if i can help at least one life this year then i’ve achieved what i set out to do.

What is encephalitis?

Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain tissue. The most common cause is viral infections. In rare cases it can be caused by bacteria or even fungi. There are two main types of encephalitis: primary and secondary. Primary encephalitis occurs when a virus directly infects the brain and spinal cord. Secondary encephalitis occurs when an infection starts elsewhere in the body and then travels to your brain. Encephalitis is a rare yet serious disease that can be life-threatening. You should call your doctor immediately if you have symptoms of encephalitis.

What are the symptoms of encephalitis?

The symptoms of encephalitis can range from mild to severe.

Mild symptoms include:

fever, headache, vomiting, stiff neck, lethargy (exhaustion)

Severe symptoms include;

fever of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher, confusion, drowsiness, hallucinations, slower movements, coma, seizures, irritability, sensitivity to light, unconsciousness

Infants and young children show different symptoms. Call a doctor immediately if your child is experiencing any of the following:

vomiting, bulging fontanel (soft spot in the scalp), constant crying, body stiffness, poor appetite

What causes encephalitis?

Many different viruses can cause encephalitis. It’s helpful to categorize the potential causes into three groups: common viruses, childhood viruses, and arboviruses.

Common viruses

The most common virus that causes encephalitis in developed countries is herpes simplex. The herpes virus typically travels through a nerve to the skin, where it causes a cold sore. In rare cases, however, the virus travels to the brain. This form of encephalitis usually affects the temporal lobe, the part of the brain that controls memory and speech. It can also affect the frontal lobe, the part that controls emotions and behavior. Encephalitis caused by herpes is dangerous and can lead to severe brain damage and death.