If you need to define a word in your paper, the definition usually comes from a glossary in the back of a book. To properly attribute this definition you will need to cite it according to the American Psychological Association (APA) style guidelines.
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain tissue. It's most often caused by viral infections. In some cases, bacterial infections can also cause encephalitis.
The condition is rare, affecting around 4,000 people in the UK each year. In its early stages, encephalitis has flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache and joint pain. Over some days or hours, other more serious symptoms develop. These include seizures, personality changes, confusion, drowsiness or disorientation.