Encephalopathy and encephalitis are the most common neurological complications of dengue fever and their incidence is estimated to be between 0.5 and 6.2 percent, according to a study published in the journal Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports. . The following are some complications of dengue fever on the brain.
1. Encephalopathy caused by dengue fever
The disease manifests as altered consciousness due to shock, cerebral edema, electrolyte imbalance, and related metabolic disorders. Neurologist Prashant Makhija (India) said that treatment is mainly supportive care, which means maintaining fluid balance, correcting electrolyte imbalance and addressing metabolic disorders.
2. Encephalitis caused by dengue fever
Encephalitis or swelling of the brain is caused by a virus, leading to fever, headache and seizures. This is a condition caused by a virus directly infecting nerve cells. Treatment is also primarily supportive care.
3. Intracranial hemorrhage
Intracerebral hemorrhage or intracerebral hemorrhage is bleeding inside the skull, caused by low platelet count. The disease causes severe headaches and loss of consciousness, requiring bleeding control and supportive care.
4. Guillain-Barré syndrome
This is an autoimmune response that damages nerves after an infection. The disease can lead to muscle weakness and even paralysis. The disease can be treated with immunotherapy, which means using intravenous steroids, along with supportive care.
5. Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM)
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis is inflammation of the brain and spinal cord following an infection. Dr Prashant Makhija said the disease causes headaches, confusion and seizures, which are treated with corticosteroids and immunotherapy.
These complications of dengue fever on the brain are relatively rare but can be very serious.
