Encephalitis Cases

Charlene           
  Charlene, My Mother was 77 years old when she was diagnosed with HSE in May of 2009. She lives in Ohio.

On May 24, 2009 she became confused. She had been to the doctor on Friday and was being treated for an inner ear and sinus infection. On Sunday, she was confused but could tell us her name, age, date of birth but she had great difficulty in doing tasks. We took her to the hospital where she was diagnosed with low sodium and low potassium and some pneumonia.

Her level of consciousness became worse and by Tuesday she was unable to swallow and she had aspirated. Her family doctor had been out of town and when he saw her on Tuesday he consulted a neurologist. A LP was done and even though the diagnosis was not back yet, he started her on viral medications. She had a seizure on Wednesday and a MRA showed the infection was in the brain. At this time she was unconscious or sleeping all of the time.

Over the next 2 months, she was in and out of ICU four different times and on a ventilator for three days. During the first ICU stay, we had a G-tube placed for feeding her. On July 21, 2009, she was sent to rehab. She is now feeding herself and knows who we are. She does not remember any of her hospital stay.

Her cognitive ability is not normal yet. Physical therapy is working with her to build her muscles back up so she can hopefully be able to walk again. She is up in the wheel-chair for most of the day now. She is able to read, write (spelling not the best) and has painted a picture. I realize we have a long way to go but I am hopeful we will continue to she her improve and we will be able to bring her home.

Pamela (Daughter)
Ohio, U.S.A.
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Posted: August 26, 2009 		  adults cases

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