All About Brain Fever: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

You must have seen memory loss in many TV serials or movies. Apart from comedy, do you know that brain fever can be a significant cause of memory problems? You heard right. Brain fever is not just about a high temperature; it can also silently steal your memory. 

Brain fever happens when an infection causes inflammation in the brain, which affects the areas responsible for memory, thinking, and sometimes results in paralysis in body parts. This can lead to symptoms like confusion, forgetfulness, difficulty in recognizing people, or even long-term memory damage if not treated on time. 

In this blog, you will learn about brain fever symptoms, the severity of the condition, and how to treat it effectively. So, let's dive into the blog.

What is Brain fever?

Thinking about memory loss in movies looks so adventurous and interesting, but it can be life-threatening in real life. It can be due to brain fever, and even sometimes it can lead to death. 

Brain fever is a non-medical term often used for serious brain infections or inflammation. It is also known as encephalitis (inflammation of brain tissue). Furthermore, it can result from severe infections like typhoid, malaria, or viral illnesses that affect the brain.

In medical terms, brain fever means the body's immune system is responding to a dangerous infection. It can reach the brain or its surrounding membranes and may cause swelling and high fever. The causes of brain fever included: 

• Viral infections
• Bacterial infections
• Parasitic infections 
• Autoimmune disorders 
• Severe systemic infections 

Also read: List of Essential Vitamins To Boost Your Brain Health.

What are the symptoms of brain fever?

Early recognition of symptoms and timely treatment are crucial to saving lives and preventing long-term brain damage. However, the symptoms can vary according to your age. Therefore, here you will see brain fever symptoms in children and adults differently:

Brain fever symptoms in a child

Children often show slightly different or faster-progressing signs:

1. High fever with constant crying
2. Irritability or unusual fussiness
3. Refusal to eat or feed properly
4. Vomiting and diarrhea
5. Stiff neck or body
6. Bulging of the soft spot (fontanelle) in infants
7. Seizures or sudden jerky movements
8. Excessive sleepiness or difficulty waking

Brain fever symptoms in adults

Brain fever symptoms can vary in adults from those in children. Here is the list of symptoms,

1. Persistent high fever and severe headache
2. Stiff neck and joint pain
3. Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
4. Nausea
5. Seizures or difficulty concentrating
6. Sudden changes in behaviour or memory loss
7. Extreme fatigue 
8. Unconsciousness or even coma

Also read: What is the Role of the Brain in Reflex Action?

How to diagnose brain fever?

To diagnose brain fever, doctors first assess symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, or seizures. Among all these signs, you can detect brain fever through the following ways: 

• Symptoms to observe include fever, headache, stiff neck, seizures, and confusion.
• A physical exam includes a Neurological check for alertness, reflexes, and movement.
• Blood tests are helpful to detect signs of infection.
• Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap) is the primary test to check cerebrospinal fluid.
• Brain Imaging (CT/MRI)is helpful to see swelling or inflammation.

How to treat brain fever?

Brain fever treatment depends on the cause (bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic). Patients are usually hospitalized for close monitoring. If the infection is bacterial, doctors start intravenous (IV) antibiotics along with corticosteroids to reduce brain swelling. 

For viral encephalitis, antiviral medicines such as acyclovir are used, mainly if caused by the herpes virus. In cases of fungal or parasitic infections, antifungal or antiparasitic drugs are prescribed. Along with these, patients receive supportive care including IV fluids, pain relievers, fever control, and anticonvulsants if seizures occur. In severe conditions, oxygen therapy or even mechanical ventilation may be needed to support breathing.

Final Thought

Brain fever is not just an ordinary illness. It's a severe brain infection that can damage memory, thinking ability, and even lead to life-threatening complications if ignored. The good news is that with early recognition and accurate diagnosis, most patients can recover fully and avoid long-term effects. 

Therefore, always pay attention to warning signs like persistent fever, stiff neck, headache, or confusion, and seek immediate medical care. Remember, brain fever is a medical emergency, and quick action can save lives and protect the brain from permanent damage. With all this information, you may get a detailed overview of brain fever. If you experience these symptoms, you can book your test at Redcliffe Labs for an early and accurate diagnosis.

FAQ

• Is Brain fever contagious?

Yes, some form of brain fever can spread from person to person through coughing, sneezing, kissing, or sharing food or drinks.

• Can brain fever cause permanent damage?

Yes, brain fever can cause permanent brain damage if not treated on time. It can cause permanent neurological damage such as memory loss, speech difficulty, or even paralysis.

• Is brain fever and meningitis the same?

Not exactly. Brain fever is a layman's term that people often use for both meningitis and encephalitis. So, while meningitis can cause brain fever, brain fever is a broader term.

• Can brain fever be treated at home?

No, brain fever is a medical emergency and can't be safely treated at home. You should take proper hospital treatment with proper medicines if a serious complication occurs.