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.
