Overview
Aster Hospitals is one of the leading medical facilities in India with specialized departments for various health conditions. The neurology department at Aster Hospitals offers several treatment options and minimally invasive procedures for brain and spinal cord disorders.
The central nervous system (brain, meninges, and spinal cord) can be infected by bacterial, fungal, parasitic, or viral infections that can cause severe symptoms and make us gravely ill.
Types of brain and spinal cord infections
Nervous system infections depend upon the location and extent of the infection. Based on the part affected, there are different types of brain and spinal cord infections:
Encephalitis
Meningitis
Cerebral abscess
Intramedullary abscess
Vertebral osteomyelitis
Intervertebral space infection
Spinal canal infection
Adjacent soft tissue infection of the spinal cord
Causes of brain and spinal cord infections
Viral infections
Bacterial infections
Fungal infections
Parasitic infections
Health Conditions Treated
Encephalitis
Meningitis
Transverse myelitis
Cerebral abscess
Intramedullary abscess
Vertebral osteomyelitis
Intervertebral space infection
Spinal canal infection
Adjacent soft tissue infection of the spinal cord
Pneumonia
Influenza
Tuberculosis
Discitis
Enterovirus
Colorado tick fever
Streptococcus
Syphilis
Lyme disease
Toxoplasmosis
Parasitic infection
Neurosyphilis
Listeria
Epidural abscess
FAQs
At Aster Hospitals we provide the highest quality of care and a transformative experience for all your healthcare needs. With our network of multi-speciality hospitals, specialised doctors, and world-class technology, we bring global standards of medical care to our patients.
What is the mortality rate for encephalitis?
To date, 12–15% of hospitalized encephalitis patients have died.
How can we prevent brain infections?
Maintaining general hygiene and getting vaccinated is a good way to prevent brain infections.
How fast can I recover from a brain infection?
A mild to moderate brain or spinal cord infection may take around 15 days to 2 months to recover. More severe infections may require 2 to 3 months for a complete recovery.
How long does brain swelling last?
Cerebral swelling may take 2 to 4 months to subside completely.
Which is the most common bacteria causing meningitis
Streptococcus pneumoniae is the leading bacterial cause of meningitis.
How to handle mosquito-borne brain infections?
There are no specific modes of management for mosquito-borne brain infections. Hydrate yourself well and get adequate rest.
Take general precautions to avoid relapse such as:
Avoiding areas with mosquito infestation.
Taking care of any long-standing water in your surroundings, primarily indoor spots.
Wearing full-sleeved clothes when out after sunset.
Using a mosquito or insect repellent when needed.
Avoiding traveling to countries with a known mosquito epidemic.
Which is the most severe neurological infection?
Encephalitis is the most severe brain or spinal cord infection
What are the symptoms of cervical spine infection?
A spine infection may cause back pain, fever with chills, muscle spasms, weight loss, urinary problems, localized tenderness, etc.
Advanced Technology & Facilities
Aster Hospitals are medically well-equipped to diagnose and treat several neurological infections. Numerous diagnostic tests can be quickly done at our premises. Our experienced panel of specialist doctors always aims to help and treat patients with neurological symptoms. The following assessments are part of the management system of affected patients:
Physical examination and symptom assessment
Record of complete medical and family history
Neurological examination for brain and spinal cord-related symptoms
Imaging tests
Computed Tomography (CT) scan
This helps to diagnose inflammation in the brain and spinal cord.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
This test uses magnetic fields to form detailed 2-D and 3-D images of the brain tissue. This test helps to diagnose abscesses and swelling in the brain and the spinal cord. It can also detect different lesions and underlying medical issues like multiple sclerosis.
Blood tests
If a neurological infection is thought to be caused by a bacterial infection, a blood test is done to quantify the bacterial strain in the blood to chart out a proper treatment plan.
Types of treatment for neurological infections
Every treatment is tailored according to a patient's diagnosis and type of infection. In general, the types of treatments done for neurological infections are:
Antibiotic therapy
Many bacterial infections require antibiotic coverage for 4 to 8 weeks. Severe infections such as meningitis may require IV transmission of antibiotics.
Antiviral medications
Antiviral infections are generally treated later when other treatments have not worked out well. But in cases of suspected encephalitis, your healthcare provider may begin with antivirals immediately.
Many brain or spinal cord infections are treatable, depending on how severe the infection was and how fast that infection was detected and treatment started. The prognosis also depends upon the patient's general health, age, and mental status.
Combining medication and supplemental therapy helps patients with neurological infections to recover significantly.
