Questions posted in the
Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
| |
|
Subject: Re: encephilitis If someone has been in a coma for two months with encephilitis what are their chances of recovery. Is it usual to be in a coma for this long? = The specific prognosis for recovery from encephalitis depends on the particular type of encephalitis. Most are viral illnesses, but the viruses differ, even the ones that are carried by mosquitoes. For example, St Louis encephalitis is different than Western or Eastern Equine encephalitis. It also depends on the level of neurologic function. That is assessed on physical examination by testing brainstem reflexes such as gag, corneals, and vestibulo-ocular. How "light" is the coma? That is, does the patient respond in any way to stimuli? It is also helpful to note whether there was any initial improvement once he/she "hit bottom," and whether there is any continuing improvement. As you can see, I can't render a specific prognosis. (Even if you were to provide the full data, it would be inappropriate in this forum anyway). For more specific information, you should discuss this with the patient's doctor or seek a second consultant's opinion. I hope this helps. CCF MD mdf.
| |
