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Encephalitis (en-sef-uh-LIE-tis) is inflammation of the brain. It can be caused by viral or bacterial infections, or by immune cells mistakenly attacking the brain. Viruses that can lead to encephalitis can be spread by insects such as mosquitos and ticks.
When inflammation is caused by an infection in the brain, it’s known as infectious encephalitis. And when it’s caused by the immune system attacking the brain, it’s known as autoimmune encephalitis. Sometimes there is no known cause.
Encephalitis can sometimes lead to death. Getting diagnosed and treated right away is important because it’s hard to predict how encephalitis may affect each person.
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