<unk>  <unk> , commonly referred to as "mad cow<unk> ", is a type of brain<unk>  within the transmissible spongiform encephalopathy family. Initial symptoms include psychiatric problems, behavioral changes, and painful sensations. In the later stages of the illness, patients may exhibit poor coordination, dementia and involuntary movements. The length of time between exposure and the development of symptoms is unclear, but is believed to be years to decades. Average life expectancy following the onset of symptoms is 13 months. It is caused by prions, which are misfolded proteins. Spread is believed to be primarily due to eating bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)-infected beef. Infection is also believed to require a specific genetic susceptibility. Spread may potentially also occur via blood products or contaminated surgical equipment. Diagnosis is by brain biopsy but can be suspected based on certain other criteria. It is different from classic<unk><unk><unk><unk> , though both are due to prions. Treatment for<unk>  involves supportive care. As of 2020, precisely 178 cases of<unk>  have been recorded in the United Kingdom, due to a 1990s outbreak, and 50 cases in the rest of the world. The<unk>  has become less common since 2000. The typical age of onset is less than 30 years old. It was first identified in 1996 by the National CJD Surveillance Unit in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease
Powassan encephalitis
Autoimmune encephalitis
Saint Louis encephalitis
Viliuisk encephalomyelitis
Japanese encephalitis
Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis
Herpesviral encephalitis