Corticosteroids are used to reduce brain swelling and inflammation. Sedatives may be needed for irritability or restlessness. Individuals with bacterial meningitis are usually hospitalized and treated with antibiotics. Antiviral drugs may also be prescribed. The prognosis for encephalitis varies.
Some cases are mild, short and relatively benign and patients have full recovery.
Other cases are severe, and permanent impairment or death is possible. The acute phase of encephalitis may last for 1 to 2 weeks, with gradual or sudden resolution of fever and neurological symptoms. Neurological symptoms may require many months before full recovery. With early diagnosis and prompt treatment, most patients recover from meningitis. However, in some cases, the disease progresses so rapidly that death occurs during the first 48 hours, despite early treatment.