Dengue can progress to serious conditions, especially after the second infection. Given the historical scenario of the disease in Brazil — the country has already recorded more than 740,000 probable cases of the infection and 151 confirmed deaths, according to the Ministry of Health — knowing the complications arising from dengue is essential to seek medical help early and carry out the most appropriate treatment.
One of the most serious complications is encephalitis one severe inflammation in the brain which can occur as a result of a virus infection, such as dengue. If left untreated, it can result in motor and speech sequelae, in addition to paralysis. In some cases, it can lead to death.
“Dengue-related encephalitis can occur when the virus directly affects the brain, causing an inflammatory response. This happens due to the pathogen's ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, a protection that the brain has against microorganisms”, explains Diogo Haddad, neurologist at Hospital Nove de Julho, to CNN .
“The immune system’s response to infection can also contribute to brain inflammation,” adds the expert.
Next, understand more about encephalitis, its symptoms, forms of treatment and when it can appear as a consequence of dengue.
What is encephalitis?
Encephalitis is an inflammation that affects the brain parenchyma, the tissue of the brain. According to Sarosh Irani, a neurologist and researcher at the Mayo Clinic, the condition can be divided into two types:
- Infectious encephalitis : caused by a virus that invades the brain. In addition to dengue, it can occur with herpes and enterovirus, for example;
- Autoimmune encephalitis : triggered by an infection in other parts of the body or by a tumor. In 90% of cases, the exact cause is not known.
What are the symptoms?
You encephalitis symptoms may include high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, mental confusion, seizures, muscle weakness or motor problems, and changes in consciousness. “In severe cases, it can progress to coma”, says Diogo.
In the case of autoimmune encephalitis, behavioral changes, memory loss, problems understanding reality (psychosis) and hallucinations may also appear.
In which cases can encephalitis be a complication of dengue?
According to Diogo, dengue encephalitis is more common in severe cases of the disease and can mainly affect risk groups.
“Individuals with compromised immune systems, such as young children, the elderly or people with conditions that affect immunity, may be at greater risk of developing serious complications, including encephalitis”, explains the neurologist.
How to prevent infectious encephalitis?
For Sarosh Irani, “prevention is an important challenge”. “We do not have consistent preventive measures for these diseases. Only some infectious causes can be prevented with vaccination,” she says.
However, the expert adds that, in the case of dengue, prevention can be achieved by trying to stop the vector, the mosquito. Aedes aegypti. This includes the use of industrialized repellents suitable for this insect, installing screens on windows and doors and eliminating the accumulation of stagnant water.
“Vaccination against dengue, available in some regions, can also help prevent the disease and its complications”, adds Diogo.
How is dengue encephalitis treated?
O encephalitis treatment caused by dengue fever aims to relieve symptoms and prevent other health complications .
“This may include the administration of intravenous fluids for hydration, medications to control fever and pain and, in cases of seizures, the use of anticonvulsants,” explains Diogo. Patients with serious conditions may require treatment in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit).
With adequate treatment, patients with dengue encephalitis can recover well, especially if the condition is diagnosed and treated early . “However, depending on the severity of the inflammation and the response to treatment, some people may experience neurological sequelae, such as memory problems, learning difficulties, or behavioral changes,” he says. In these cases, medical follow-up after recovery is essential.
“One of our main goals is to figure out how we can educate other neurologists and doctors around the world to identify patients early and give them early treatment,” adds Irani.
Source: CNN Brasil
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