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09:01
Flow Cytometric Analysis of Lymphocyte Infiltration in Central Nervous System during Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Published on: November 17, 2020
Influenza-associated central nervous system dysfunction: a literature review
1F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland. stephen.toovey@roche.com
Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease
|May 20, 2008
Summary
Influenza virus can cause serious central nervous system (CNS) diseases, including febrile seizures and encephalitis. Early recognition and monitoring of neurological symptoms in children are crucial for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Influenza is a significant viral pathogen.
- It causes an under-recognized burden of central nervous system (CNS) diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the epidemiology of influenza-associated CNS diseases.
- To outline the clinical features and etiology of these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of English-language publications from MEDLINE.
- Search terms included "influenza, human" and "nervous system diseases".
Main Results:
- Febrile seizures are the most common CNS complication in children hospitalized with influenza.
- Influenza-associated encephalitis/encephalopathy is less common but more severe, with diverse presentations and potentially poor prognosis.
- Influenza can also trigger rare but serious conditions like Reye's syndrome, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and post-encephalitic Parkinson's disease.
Conclusions:
- Influenza significantly contributes to the burden of CNS diseases.
- Increased awareness and monitoring of CNS function are essential, particularly in infants and young children.
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