Von Economos Disease
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What is Encephalitis Lethargica?Is there any treatment?What is the prognosis?What research is being done?Organizations
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What is Encephalitis Lethargica?
Encephalitis lethargica is a disease characterized by high fever, headache, double vision, delayed physical and mental response,
and lethargy. In acute cases, patients may enter coma. Patients may also experience abnormal eye movements, upper body weakness,
muscular pains, tremors, neck rigidity, and behavioral changes including psychosis. The cause of encephalitis lethargica is
unknown. Between 1917 to 1928, an epidemic of encephalitis lethargica spread throughout the world, but no recurrence of the
epidemic has since been reported. Postencephalitic Parkinson's disease may develop after a bout of encephalitis-sometimes
as long as a year after the illness.
Is there any treatment?
Treatment for encephalitis lethargica is symptomatic. Levodopa and other antiparkinson drugs often produce dramatic responses.
What is the prognosis?
The course of encephalitis lethargica varies depending upon complications or accompanying disorders.
What research is being done?
The NINDS supports research on disorders that affect the brain, such as encephalitis lethargica, with the goal of finding
ways to prevent and treat them. (The disease was the subject of the book and film, "Awakenings.")
Select this link
to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.
Organizations
Prepared by:
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National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
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on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined
that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.
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Last updated February 12, 2007
