Complications

The complications of encephalitis vary, depending on factors such as:

• Your age
• The cause of your infection
• The severity of your initial illness
• The time from disease onset to treatment

People with relatively mild illness usually recover within a few weeks with no long-term complications.

Complications of severe illness

Inflammation can injure the brain, possibly resulting in a coma or death.

Other complications — varying greatly in severity — may persist for months or be permanent. These complications can include:

• Persistent fatigue
• Weakness or lack of muscle coordination
• Personality changes
• Memory problems
• Paralysis
• Hearing or vision defects
• Speech impairments