Hidden Encephalitis: What It Is and Why It’s More Common Than You Know

Hidden encephalitis is a form of encephalitis that’s often missed and therefore undiagnosed; yet, it causes a variety of symptoms and health concerns. Fortunately, eating an anti-inflammatory diet, focusing on nutritional therapy, practicing stress relieving techniques, and more offer effective natural treatment options.

Encephalitis is a term that some people have heard of, research shows that 78 percent of the world’s population doesn’t know what it is. And of the estimated 22 percent who have heard of it, only a very small amount actually understand what all it entails. And that’s because it can manifest as a variety of symptoms and health complications.

At its core, encephalitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the brain, and many have been taught that it’s quite rare. And if we’re talking about “true encephalitis,” which is a brain infection (such as meningitis-related encephalitis), that’s correct. It’s estimated that out of 100,000 people, only 10 to 15 are diagnosed each year. 

But the truth is actually quite shocking: The reality is that there is a lesser-known form of encephalitis known as hidden encephalitis that often goes undiagnosed. And it’s much more common than you might think. In fact, it’s very likely you or someone you love has been affected at some point—even if you didn’t realize it. And every day that the diagnosis is missed is one step further away from living a life full of health and vitality.

So, let’s take a closer look at hidden encephalitis and explore what it is, the top symptoms, causes, and the common health conditions it’s associated with. Then we’ll discuss the importance of diagnosing hidden encephalitis and review some of the best natural treatment options known to fight brain inflammation and support full-body health.

What Is Encephalitis?

In order to better understand hidden encephalitis, first we must quickly discuss encephalitis. 

Encephalitis is a very serious (and sometimes deadly) medical condition that can have a variety of causes, including bacterial or viral infections, autoimmune disorders, exposure to toxins, injuries, and certain lifestyle factors. It often presents as a headache and/or stiff neck and may result in mental confusion and even seizures.

Viral infections, such as herpes simplex virus, West Nile virus, and enteroviruses, are common culprits behind encephalitis. These viruses can enter your central nervous system and trigger an immune response that results in the characteristic swelling and irritation of your brain tissue. 

But encephalitis can also be caused by autoimmune disorders, which can cause your body’s immune system to mistakenly attack your healthy brain cells, leading to inflammation. 

In addition to infectious and autoimmune causes, environmental factors can also play a role in the development of encephalitis. Exposure to certain toxins, such as lead or pesticides, can trigger an inflammatory response in your brain. And specific lifestyle factors, including having a weakened immune system due to chronic stress or poor nutrition, can make you more susceptible to developing encephalitis. 

Finally, head injuries, even seemingly minor ones, can trigger hidden encephalitis. How? The impact from a head injury can disrupt your blood-brain barrier, allowing inflammatory molecules to enter your brain and initiate a cascade of inflammatory responses.

It’s crucial to be aware of the different factors that can contribute to encephalitis so that you can take preventive measures and quickly seek medical intervention, if needed.

What Is Hidden Encephalitis?

Hidden encephalitis is different from “true encephalitis” because it’s a condition that often presents with nonspecific symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and mild cognitive impairment. And these are symptoms that can easily be mistaken for other common ailments, which often leads to a delay in diagnosis and treatment. 

In some cases, people with hidden encephalitis may experience subtle changes in mood or behavior, which can further complicate the ability to receive the correct diagnosis. 

Now, it’s important to note that just as with true encephalitis, hidden encephalitis can be triggered by many different factors, including viral infections, autoimmune disorders, environmental toxins, injuries, and lifestyle factors, such as poor gut health. 

Similarly, the brain inflammation associated with this condition can disrupt your normal neurological function, potentially leading to long-term complications if it’s missed and left untreated, which it often is. And that’s why hidden encephalitis is so dangerous and why it’s referred to as “hidden.”

Early detection and intervention are crucial in managing hidden encephalitis and preventing further damage to your brain.

Symptoms of Hidden Encephalitis

So, how do you know if you have hidden encephalitis? 

While the symptoms may be subtle at first, such as experiencing mild cognitive difficulties or unexplained fatigue, the long-term consequences of untreated hidden encephalitis can be significant. 

Research shows that chronic low-level inflammation in the brain can lead to a range of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, and even cognitive decline. 

In addition to its impact on your mental health, hidden encephalitis can also affect your physical well-being. Studies have shown that ongoing inflammation in your brain may contribute to systemic inflammation throughout your body, potentially increasing your risk of developing other inflammatory conditions such as autoimmune diseases and even heart disease. 

It’s easy to see why it’s so important to identify and treat hidden inflammation. While symptoms may vary from person to person, here are some of the most common symptoms of hidden encephalitis:

• Difficulty with concentration
• Trouble paying attention
• Struggling to process information
• Confusion or disorientation that disrupts daily activities
• Mood changes
• Sleep disturbances
• Headaches
• Seizures and other neurological abnormalities (in more severe cases)

Remember that hidden encephalitis can often be challenging to diagnose because the symptoms may be subtle and even mimic other conditions. For example, some cognitive difficulties such as memory problems and difficulty concentrating can easily be attributed to stress or lack of sleep. Likewise, mood changes and sleep disturbances may be mistaken for common mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. 

As a result, it’s imperative to seek prompt medical attention and undergo the appropriate testing if you’re experiencing the symptoms listed above.

Hidden Encephalitis & Common Health Conditions

Because it can be tough to connect the symptoms above with hidden encephalitis, it’s important to know hidden encephalitis. These include post-COVID syndrome, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic pain, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy. 

Let’s take a closer look at each of these common health conditions and their links to hidden encephalitis.

Post-COVID Syndrome

Post-COVID syndrome, also known as long COVID, refers to a condition where people experience persistent COVID symptoms even after recovering from the virus. In fact, it’s reasonable to believe that hidden encephalitis may be one of the underlying causes of the lingering symptoms in post-COVID syndrome.

Hidden encephalitis can manifest in different ways in people with post-COVID syndrome. That’s because inflammation in the brain, a hallmark of encephalitis, can lead to different cognitive impairments such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and brain fog.

Additionally, people with hidden encephalitis may experience mood disturbances, such as depression and anxiety, further impacting their quality of life.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic syndrome characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and tenderness in certain areas of your body. But you may be surprised to learn that research suggests a strong link between hidden encephalitis and fibromyalgia.

Specifically, several studies have shown that people with fibromyalgia show signs of brain inflammation, particularly involving the activation of glial cells.

One study used imaging tests (MRI/PET scans) to analyze brain activity and revealed that those with fibromyalgia had higher levels of a protein associated with glial cells, indicating brain inflammation. The study found that the higher levels of the protein were most pronounced in people experiencing severe fatigue, suggesting a direct connection between brain inflammation and fibromyalgia symptoms .

Meanwhile, other research found elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines in the cerebrospinal fluid of fibromyalgia patients, which further confirms the presence of central nervous system inflammation in those with the syndrome. But that’s not all.

This study also confirmed that glial cells are activated in various regions of the brain in those with fibromyalgia, which contributes to the progression of the syndrome. 

The truth of the matter is that hidden encephalitis can trigger a cascade of inflammatory responses in your central nervous system, leading to the amplification of pain signals. And this heightened sensitivity to pain is a key symptom of fibromyalgia. 

Additionally, the inflammation caused by hidden encephalitis can disrupt the normal functioning of neurotransmitters, which only further contributes to fibromyalgia symptoms.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complex disorder known to cause extreme fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest. Interestingly, research has shown a significant link between hidden encephalitis and CFS.

One study used advanced brain imaging techniques to look for signs of inflammation in the brains of people with CFS. The researchers found that certain areas of the brain showed increased levels of inflammation in comparison to the brains in those without CFS, suggesting that neuroinflammation may play a role in the symptoms experienced by people with CFS.

So, what does this mean if you have CFS? In short, hidden encephalitis can significantly impact the energy-producing mechanisms within your brain, which leads to ongoing fatigue that hinders your ability to do almost anything—even to simply engage in daily activities. 

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is a debilitating condition that can significantly affect your daily life. And in some cases, hidden encephalitis may be the underlying cause of chronic pain, especially if you haven’t found relief through previous treatments.

So how can hidden encephalitis cause chronic pain? Research has shown that after a nerve injury, there can be ongoing brain inflammation, which can cause long-lasting pain and even increase the risk of depression. The hidden encephalitis actually activates certain brain cells, resulting in the activation of pain pathways in the brain, which leads to the perception of ongoing pain—even in the absence of an ongoing injury. 

The inflammatory processes associated with hidden encephalitis can also sensitize your nerve fibers, which amplifies your pain signals and further contributes to the persistence of chronic pain.

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a neurodegenerative disease that’s often associated with repeated head injuries, such as those seen in contact sports. In fact, that’s one of the primary reasons why it’s commonly associated with football. But you may be surprised to learn that there’s often a precursory factor to developing CTE—and that’s hidden encephalitis. 

Simply put, hidden encephalitis can exacerbate the damage caused by head injuries, leading to a more severe and even an accelerated progression of CTE. After you experience a head injury, the inflammatory responses triggered by hidden encephalitis can further compromise your brain’s ability to repair and regenerate, worsening the long-term consequences of repeated head trauma.

Diagnosing Hidden Encephalitis

Diagnosing hidden encephalitis can be challenging due to its subtle symptoms and overlap with other health conditions. Medical professionals may use a combination of factors, including comprehensive medical history, physical examinations, brain imaging, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis, to identify the presence of hidden encephalitis.

As you likely suspect at this point, diagnosing hidden encephalitis can be quite challenging, as the symptoms can be non-specific and may overlap with numerous other conditions. That said, it’s essential to identify hidden encephalitis early to undergo treatment as soon as possible and avoid long-term damage. 

In order to diagnose hidden encephalitis, your doctor may use a combination of tests and assessments, including reviewing your comprehensive medical history and conducting a physical examination, brain imaging, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and/or antibody testing.

Brain imaging techniques, including MRI and CT scans, play a vital role in diagnosing hidden encephalitis. These imaging studies can reveal abnormalities in your brain that indicate the presence of inflammation, infection, or other underlying causes. MRI, in particular, provides detailed images of your brain’s structures, allowing your healthcare provider to pinpoint areas of concern and assess the extent of damage caused by hidden encephalitis.

Cerebrospinal fluid analysis, also known as a spinal tap or lumbar puncture, involves collecting a sample of the fluid that surrounds your brain and spinal cord. Analysis of this fluid can help detect signs of inflammation, infection, or autoimmune activity, which can indicate the presence of hidden encephalitis. 

Finally, antibody testing can identify specific antibodies in your blood that target infectious agents responsible for hidden encephalitis, aiding in the accurate diagnosis and treatment of this serious condition.

Natural Treatment Options

While some forms of hidden encephalitis can resolve on their own, it’s important to note that it depends on the cause and what you do about it. There’s no medication for any form of encephalitis, but certain natural treatment options and regenerative therapies designed to stimulate new growth and pathways in your brain have been found to be quite effective at reducing inflammation and supporting overall brain health.

Let’s take a look at some of the top natural therapies for hidden encephalitis. 

Nutritional Therapy

Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting brain health and reducing inflammation. Specifically, a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods (such as fruits, vegetables, lean protein, ancient whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids) can help reduce hidden encephalitis symptoms.

Specifically, research has shown that consuming omega-3 fatty acids improved both mood and cognitive functions in elderly adults, supporting the connection between eating an anti-inflammatory diet and reducing brain inflammation.

Additionally, incorporating well-known anti-inflammatory herbs such as turmeric, ginkgo biloba, and ashwagandha into your daily routine can provide additional support for brain health. These herbs have been traditionally used for their anti-inflammatory and cognitive-enhancing properties, which can help to manage hidden encephalitis symptoms. 

Just remember to consult with your healthcare provider or an herbalist before incorporating these herbs into your treatment plan to make sure they’re safe and appropriate for your individual condition.

Lifestyle Modifications

Certain lifestyle factors, such as managing your stress levels, getting adequate sleep, and engaging in regular exercise, can all contribute to reducing brain inflammation and improving your overall health.

Additionally, engaging in activities that stimulate your brain function, such as puzzles, reading, or learning a new skill, can help maintain your cognitive abilities and support your overall brain health. By keeping your brain active and engaged, you experience improved cognitive function and longevity. 

Remember that it’s important to strike a balance between mental stimulation and rest to prevent cognitive fatigue and support your brain’s healing process.

Alternative therapies

Alongside natural treatments, certain alternative therapies can provide additional support for hidden encephalitis. Acupuncture, aromatherapy, and massage therapy are examples of alternative therapies that are known to help reduce inflammation, alleviate symptoms, and promote relaxation.

In-Office Therapies

Hidden encephalitis is something to be taken seriously, so depending on what your doctor finds, you may be in need of additional in-office therapy. Some of the most effective therapies you can use include regenerative therapies, peptide therapy, NAD IV therapy, and oxygen therapy (which helps to stimulate the repair of the root causes the inflammation was trying to repair to begin with!). 

Discuss which options are best for you with your physician, or you can reach out to us here at The Dearing Clinic to learn more about which in-office therapies will offer you the best results for your personal situation.

Raising Awareness About Hidden Encephalitis

Despite its prevalence, hidden encephalitis remains relatively unknown. But due to its association with various health conditions and potential impact on daily life, it’s essential to understand this condition. 

By recognizing the symptoms, identifying the underlying causes, and exploring natural treatment options, those with hidden encephalitis can find relief and improve their overall well-being. 

Let’s shine a light on hidden encephalitis and bring it out of the shadows so that we may take one more step closer to achieving the longevity we all deserve.