Encephalitis lethargica

Encephalitis lethargica (EL) is a disease characterized by high fever, headache, double vision, delayed physical and mental response, extreme tiredness (lethargy), and sometimes coma. Patients may also experience abnormal eye movements, upper body weakness, muscle pain, tremors, neck rigidity, and behavioral changes including psychosis. A worldwide epidemic of EL occurred from 1917 to 1928 with more than one million reported cases.^[1][2] Although occasional cases are reported with similar symptoms, EL epidemics have not recurred.^[1] The cause of this condition is unknown, but a viral origin is suspected.^[2] Treatment depends on a person's symptoms. Levodopa and other antiparkinson drugs may be effective in alleviating some symptoms.^[1]

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• When I was about 8-years-old, I was hospitalized due to encephalitis lethargica. I was extremely ill and it took me a long time to recover. Last May, I was diagnosed with a benign meningioma. Could my childhood illness be related to the development of my tumor? Are there any documented cases of meningioma in other survivors of encephalitis lethargica? See answer