How to cure encephalitis caused by a tick? - briefly
Use antiviral agents (e.g., acyclovir or ribavirin) together with corticosteroids to limit viral replication and inflammation, and provide intensive supportive care—fluid management, antipyretics, and neurological monitoring. Early hospitalization and multidisciplinary treatment improve outcomes.
How to cure encephalitis caused by a tick? - in detail
Tick‑borne encephalitis (TBE) requires prompt, evidence‑based management to reduce neurological damage and mortality. The therapeutic pathway consists of three phases: acute care, supportive measures, and follow‑up rehabilitation.
Acute antimicrobial therapy
- Initiate intravenous ceftriaxone (2 g every 12 h) or cefotaxime (2 g every 8 h) to cover possible bacterial co‑infection.
- If a viral etiology is confirmed, antiviral agents such as acyclovir are not effective; instead, focus on immune modulation.
Immunomodulatory treatment
- Administer high‑dose methylprednisolone (1 g IV daily for 3–5 days) to attenuate cerebral inflammation; taper with oral prednisone (0.5 mg/kg) over 2–4 weeks based on clinical response.
- Consider intravenous immunoglobulin (0.4 g/kg/day for 5 days) in severe cases with rapid neurological decline, especially when autoimmune mechanisms are suspected.
Supportive care
- Maintain normothermia; use antipyretics as needed.
- Ensure adequate hydration and electrolyte balance.
- Monitor intracranial pressure; treat elevated pressure with mannitol (0.5–1 g/kg) or hypertonic saline if necessary.
- Provide seizure prophylaxis with levetiracetam (500 mg BID) when EEG shows epileptiform activity.
- Implement respiratory support (non‑invasive ventilation or intubation) for patients with compromised airway protection.
Rehabilitation and long‑term monitoring
- Begin physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy within the first week of stabilization to address motor, cognitive, and language deficits.
- Schedule serial MRI scans at 1, 3, and 6 months to evaluate residual lesions.
- Perform neuropsychological testing at 3 months to detect subtle cognitive impairment; refer to specialist care if deficits persist.
- Vaccinate against TBE after recovery (preferably 6 months post‑infection) to prevent recurrence.
Prevention
- Apply permethrin‑treated clothing and DEET‑based repellents when entering tick‑infested areas.
- Conduct thorough body checks after outdoor exposure; remove attached ticks promptly with fine‑point tweezers, grasping as close to the skin as possible and pulling straight upward.
- Encourage vaccination for individuals in endemic regions, following the standard two‑dose schedule with a booster every 3–5 years.
Effective treatment hinges on early recognition, aggressive anti‑inflammatory therapy, meticulous supportive care, and structured rehabilitation. Continuous assessment throughout recovery ensures optimal neurological outcomes.