Encephalitis

Encephalitis is an acute inflammation of the brain, commonly caused by a viral infection. Sometimes, encephalitis can result from a bacterial infection, such as bacterial meningitis, or it may be a complication of other infectious diseases like rabies (viral) or syphilis (bacterial). Certain parasitic protozoal infestations, like by toxoplasma, can also cause encephalitis in people with compromised immune systems.

Encephalitis lethargica

Encephalitis lethargica is an atypical form of encephalitis which caused an epidemic from 1917 to 1928. There have only been a small number of isolated cases since, though in recent years a few patients have shown very similar symptoms. The cause is now thought to be a bacterial agent. As depicted in the book Awakenings by doctor Oliver Sacks, which was made into the film starring Robin Williams and Robert De Niro, the disease sometimes caused catatonia which could persist for decades.

Related Topics:
Encephalitis lethargica - Epidemic - Awakenings - Oliver Sacks - Robin Williams - Robert De Niro - Catatonia

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