health

Treatment of mild encephalitis usually includes bed rest at home, drinking
lots of fluids, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers to bring down
fever and treat headaches. If the patient gets worse suddenly, or if the infection
is severe from the start, emergency treatment in a hospital is necessary.

Specific forms of treatment for encephalitis in the hospital may
include:

• Acyclovir for HSV encephalitis. Acyclovir is an antiviral drug that
  is given intravenously when the doctor suspects HSV encephalitis.
  It is given for a period of two to three weeks.
  
• If the encephalitis is caused by a bacterium, the doctor may prescribe
  antibiotics. Antibiotics cannot be used to treat encephalitis
  caused by viruses, however.
  
• Patients are monitored for signs of swelling of the brain, and they
  are given intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration.
  
• Patients who are having seizures are given anticonvulsants (antiseizure
  drugs).
  
• Sedatives may be given to patients who are restless or having
  trouble sleeping.
  
• Patients who are partially paralyzed or having trouble breathing are
  put on a respirator.

Patients who have had severe encephalitis may suffer permanent
damage if they survive. They may need physical therapy, speech therapy,
or psychological counseling after the acute illness has passed.