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Neurological complications of rotavirus infection in pediatric patients: a retrospective cohort study

Neslihan Bilgin1, Mutluay Arslan2, Kemal Tekin3

  • 1Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Health Sciences, Gülhane Research and Training Hospital, Ankara, 06010, Türkiye. nes.bilgin@hotmail.com.

Acta Neurologica Belgica
|May 20, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Rotavirus gastroenteritis can cause neurological issues like seizures in children. While often temporary, these events may lead to epilepsy, highlighting the importance of rotavirus vaccination.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Rotavirus is a primary cause of acute gastroenteritis in children globally.
  • Neurological complications, though infrequent, can occur alongside rotavirus infection.
  • Understanding these complications is crucial for comprehensive patient care and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence of neurological complications in pediatric rotavirus cases.
  • To evaluate the developmental trajectories and long-term outcomes of affected children.
  • To identify potential risk factors and inform prevention strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 398 pediatric patients (0-18 years) with rotavirus gastroenteritis.
  • Inclusion criteria: clinically diagnosed gastroenteritis and stool-confirmed rotavirus infection.
  • Data collected from February 2017 to September 2023 at Gülhane Training and Research Hospital.

Main Results:

  • Neurological complications occurred in 1.5% of patients, exclusively seizures (febrile and afebrile).
  • Long-term outcomes included a higher risk of epilepsy, speech problems, and fine motor delay.
  • One patient developed persistent hearing loss; rare instances of ASD, ADHD, and learning disabilities were noted.

Conclusions:

  • Seizures are the most frequent neurological complication of rotavirus gastroenteritis.
  • While typically benign, rotavirus-associated seizures may increase the risk of developing epilepsy.
  • Rotavirus vaccination is recommended to mitigate the incidence of these complications.
Abstract

Keywords:
Neurological complicationsRotavirus gastroenteritisSeizures

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