Brain infections are treated depending on the cause of the infection, which can be viral, bacterial, or autoimmune. The treatment approaches can vary significantly based on the specific diagnosis.
Here's a breakdown of treatment methods:
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Antiviral Medications: When a viral infection affects the brain (encephalitis), doctors prescribe antiviral medications.
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Antibiotics: For bacterial infections causing encephalitis, antibiotics are used to target and eliminate the bacteria.
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Immunotherapy: In cases of autoimmune encephalitis, where the body's immune system attacks the brain, immunotherapy treatments are employed. These may include:
- Steroids: To reduce inflammation.
- Intravenous Antibodies (IVIg): To modulate the immune response.
- Plasma Exchange: To remove harmful antibodies from the blood.
Infection Type | Treatment |
---|---|
Viral | Antiviral Medications |
Bacterial | Antibiotics |
Autoimmune | Immunotherapy (Steroids, IVIg, Plasma Exchange) |