Treatment for encephalitis depends on the virus or other germ that caused it. Teens with mild cases of encephalitis can recover at home as long as they're watched carefully by a parent or other adult in the household. Most cases of encephalitis just run their course and the person gets better without treatment.
Some viruses that cause encephalitis can be treated with medication. For example, acyclovir, an antiviral drug, can help treat encephalitis caused by the herpes simplex virus. In addition, steroid medications can be used to reduce swelling in the brain (these aren't the same as the dangerous performance-enhancing steroids that some athletes use). Because antibiotics are not effective against viruses, they're not used to treat viral encephalitis.
Severe cases of encephalitis require a hospital stay so the patient can be carefully monitored and medical treatment is close at hand if needed. For people who have had severe encephalitis that has affected some of the brain's functions, like seizures, difficulties with muscle coordination, and learning disabilities, your doctor may recommend physical therapy or speech therapy to help with recovery.