Treatments for Encephalitis

Treatment of patients with encephalitis has two aims.

First aim of treatment

Firstly, the patient will receive specific treatment for the cause of their encephalitis:

• antivirals for viral types of encephalitis (aciclovir for herpes simplex encephalitis);
• antibiotics for bacterial types and immunomodulatory drugs for autoimmune encephalitis (e.g. steroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, plasma exchange). For more information about the treatment in autoimmune encephalitis please download our Immunotherapies in autoimmune encephalitis factsheet

For some types of encephalitis there is no specific treatment aimed at the cause (e.g. West Nile encephalitis).

Second aim of treatment

Secondly, treatment is aimed at the symptoms and complications arising from encephalitis (e.g. seizures, agitation) and to support the patient whilst they are not able to perform their usual bodily functions (e.g. ventilation, insertion of a urinary or a feeding tube).

Side-effects of treatment

Some of the drugs (e.g. steroids) have potential side effects but also important benefits. In each patient the risk-benefit balance may vary, so the choice of treatment depends on each individual case. It is important that the treatment is started promptly, sometimes before a definite cause is found, as delay in treatment can be associated with unfavourable outcomes.