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Updated: Jun 9, 2026
04:23
A Murine Model of Dengue Virus-induced Acute Viral Encephalitis-like Disease
Published on: April 28, 2019
Dengue infection causing acute hypokalemic quadriparesis
1Department of Neurology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, UP, India. drsjha@rediffmail.com
Neurology India
|August 27, 2010
Summary
Dengue fever can cause temporary paralysis (quadriparesis) due to low potassium levels (hypokalemia). This reversible condition is important for doctors to consider in dengue-endemic regions like India.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Dengue fever is a widespread infectious disease in India, posing significant public health challenges.
- Neurological complications of dengue, while known, are diverse and require ongoing investigation.
Observation:
- Three cases of dengue infection presented with acute, pure motor quadriparesis.
- This paralysis was characterized by its reversibility and association with hypokalemia (low serum potassium).
Findings:
- Hypokalemia is identified as a direct cause of reversible motor quadriparesis in dengue patients.
- The neurological presentation highlights an under-recognized complication of dengue virus infection.
Implications:
- Clinicians in dengue-endemic areas should include hypokalemic quadriparesis in the differential diagnosis of acute paralysis.
- Early recognition and management of hypokalemia can lead to complete recovery in affected dengue patients.
- This finding underscores the importance of monitoring electrolyte balance in patients with severe dengue fever.
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