Neurologic Complications of Smallpox and Monkeypox: A Review

Orthopox viruses include smallpox virus, a once feared but now eradicated virus, as well as monkeypox virus. Monkeypox is an emerging virus initially isolated in 1958, previously unrecognized outside sub-Saharan Africa until a worldwide outbreak in May 2022. It is important to review known neurologic consequences of both these viruses, as complications of smallpox may be relevant to monkeypox, though complications of monkeypox may be rarer and perhaps less severe.

This was a literature review of the known neurologic complications of smallpox, which include encephalitis, transverse myelitis, and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis among others; historical complications of smallpox vaccination, including postvaccinal encephalomyelitis; and the known neurologic complications of monkeypox, which include headaches and mood disturbances, as well as rare presentations of encephalitis, transverse myelitis, and seizures. Of concern is the possibility of viral persistence and systemic complications in immunocompromised individuals. Also provided were considerations for diagnosis, current treatment, and prevention of monkeypox.

Monkeypox should be considered in high-risk populations who present with neurologic syndromes. Diagnosis may require serology and polymerase chain reaction testing of blood and spinal fluid. Antiviral therapy should be initiated early in the course of the illness.