HCPH Sanitarian Practice Test

Encephalitis, which is an inflammation of the brain, can be caused by various factors, but autoimmune responses are typically recognized as a serious cause. In cases of autoimmune encephalitis, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy brain tissue, leading to significant neurological symptoms and potential long-term complications. This type of encephalitis often requires aggressive treatment, including immunotherapy, because it can severely impact brain function.

On the other hand, vitamin deficiencies might lead to neurological issues, but they are generally not classified as a serious direct cause of encephalitis itself. Overexposure to sunlight is more often associated with skin damage and does not have a direct correlation with causing encephalitis. High blood pressure, while it can lead to various health problems, is not a recognized cause of encephalitis. Thus, autoimmune responses stand out as a critical factor contributing to serious encephalitis cases, highlighting the importance of the immune system’s role in brain health.