Long term effects of encephalitis

  My husband thinks he had encephalitis 23 years ago.  He was hospitalized;
  suffered paralysis; took over a year to recover.  Recently he has been
  experiencing extreme weakness, headaches, and nausea whenever he works
  a little more than usual.  Since I've known him (1990) he has periodic
  spasms and minor paralysis in his upper lip.  The chances of getting
  him to a doctor are slim.  He's convinced they can't diagnose it or treat
  it, so why bother.  I need ammunition to convince him to seek help.
  Any advice?  Thanks.  Linda

[CCF Neurolgy MD - AY]

Dear Linda,
Lacking more details about what happened your husband in such distant
past (23 years ago), it is rather difficult to explain his current
symptoms.  However, these combination of symptoms, i.e. headache, nausea,
generalized weakness upon moderate physical activity certainly deserves
further medical investigation.  The specific cause of these symptoms
might not necessarily be neurological.  For instance, his cardiac
condition might also require some investigation.  I would recommend that
he should be seen by your family or primary physician as early as
possible.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only.
Please consult your doctor regarding diagnostic and treatment options.

[caz2009]

A related discussion, enchephalitis was started.