Encephalitis: What Are The Symptoms?

The symptoms of encephalitis may vary widely depending on the cause and severity. They range from no symptoms in very mild cases, to more severe symptoms, including:

• Muscle weakness; unsteadiness standing up or trouble walking
• Headache, fatigue, fever, neck pain
• Stiff neck
• Nausea and vomiting
• A foul mood, irritability
• Aversion to light; squinting
• Seizures
• Clumsiness
• Mental confusion
• Drowsiness
• A coma (in severe cases)

Babies may not show symptoms as distinctly. Their bodies may become weak or limp and they may squint or turn away from a light source.