How many days does encephalitis caused by a tick last? - briefly
The acute phase of tick‑borne encephalitis typically lasts about one to two weeks, most often 7–10 days. Recovery may continue for several weeks, but the symptomatic period generally does not exceed two weeks.
How many days does encephalitis caused by a tick last? - in detail
Tick‑borne encephalitis (TBE) typically progresses through three phases. The initial febrile stage lasts 2–5 days, characterized by fever, headache and malaise. After a brief asymptomatic interval of 1–7 days, the neurological phase begins, persisting 3–14 days on average. Severe cases may extend beyond two weeks, especially when complications such as meningitis, cerebellitis or paralysis develop. Recovery time varies: mild forms resolve within 1–2 weeks, while extensive neural damage can require months of rehabilitation. Factors influencing duration include patient age, immune status, viral subtype (European, Siberian or Far‑Eastern) and promptness of supportive care. Monitoring should continue until neurological symptoms fully subside, even if fever has abated.
Key points for clinical expectation:
- Febrile phase: 2–5 days
- Symptom‑free interval: 1–7 days
- Neurological phase: 3–14 days (potentially longer)
- Full convalescence: weeks to months, dependent on severity
Early diagnosis and supportive treatment reduce the risk of prolonged illness and long‑term sequelae.