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encephalitis
(en-sef″ә-li´tis)
pl. encephali´tides
Inflammation of the brain; there are many types, depending on the causative agent and the structures involved. A large percentage
are caused by viruses; some are transmitted from animals to humans, as in equine encephalitis, and some between humans, as in herpes encephalitis. The symptoms may be mild, with headache, general malaise, and muscle ache similar to that associated with influenza. More acute and serious symptoms may include fever, delirium, convulsions, coma, and even death. adj., encephalit´ic., adj.

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