Doc Talk | H1N1 Beyond The Lungs: How Influenza Can Affect The Brain And Nervous System

Doc Talk | H1N1 can affect more than the lungs. Know how influenza may impact the brain and nervous system, warning signs and when to seek medical help.

Doc Talk | H1N1 and influenza can occasionally affect the brain and nervous system.

Source : ABPLIVE AI

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Key points generated by AI, verified by newsroom

• Influenza can sometimes affect the nervous system in susceptible individuals.
• Symptoms include headaches, confusion, seizures, and behavioral changes.
• Rare but severe complications like encephalitis and encephalopathy occur.
• Seek immediate medical attention for concerning or worsening neurological symptoms.

Fever, cough, muscle aches and breathlessness are the more characteristic symptoms of influenza or flu, other individuals can have nervous system involvement during their illness. It is not a frequent cause of 'flu' but it does occur sometimes in children, the elderly and those with other medical conditions.

How H1N1 Can Affect The Brain And Nervous System

The nervous system and brain are often affected as part of the infection or of the bodily response to the virus. These signs and symptoms of neurological involvement can be influenced by high fever, dehydration, low blood oxygen levels, and the immune response. Individuals may have headaches, dizziness, confusion, increased drowsiness and changes in their behavior. Seizures occur in some individuals especially those with high temperature fever.

Neurological Symptoms And Rare Complications Of Influenza

Rare but significant complications like encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) have also been documented after infection with 'flu'. It has also been documented rarely in patients with encephalopathy (malfunctioning of the brain) whereby they develop disturbances of consciousness, confusion, abnormal behavior. Muscle inflammation is common, and sometimes (rarely) other problems involving the nervous system with movement abnormalities or loss of neurological function have been reported.

Warning Signs That Need Immediate Medical Attention

It does not mean that every headache or dizzy turn whilst you have 'flu' has a nervous system problem associated with it as most individuals recovering from flu are fine. Warning signs are anything which is unusual or are serious, or which are progressing in severity.

These warning signs from a neurological perspective and that are of concern include significant confusion, difficulty keepingawake, seizures, abnormalities in behaviour, weakness of either limbs, difficulties with speech, balance problems and a very significant headache which feels different from usual symptoms.

Loss of consciousness is another symptom which requires immediate review.

Patients should attend for review for any of these warning signs rather than wait for the 'flu' itself to resolve. Treatment depends on the symptoms and their cause. Investigations such as neurological examination, checking oxygen saturation levels and blood investigations, and scans like a brain scan might be necessary dependent on presentation. Anti viral treatment might be considered by the attending medical practitioner based on symptoms, severity and risk of complication.

Disclaimer: The information provided in the article is shared by experts and is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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