Mpox Can Have Unusual Neurological Impact On Patients. Know Who Are At Risk

Mpox, a zoonotic virus, transmits from animals to humans through contact. Neurological complications are uncommon but severe, especially in immunocompromised individuals.

AI-generated representational image of an mpox patient.

Source : ABPLIVE AI

By Dr. Praveen Gupta

As a zoonotic virus, mpox initially affects animals before spreading to humans. Examples of these species include rodents like rats and monkeys. However, the virus spreads swiftly to other members of the same species once it crosses over from animals to humans. Much similar to the Covid-19 virus, this specific virus also transmits among humans through intimate personal contact.

Even as it is frequently linked to physical symptoms including fever, rashes, and enlarged lymph nodes, its possible effects on the nervous system are less well understood. It is extremely essential to address the unusual but significant neurological complications that arise in few cases infected with Mpox.

Who Are At Risk Of Neurological Issues From Mpox And Why?

Although neurological consequences are a possibility for each mpox victim, some individuals are more susceptible than others. Majorly people with weakened and compromised immune systems — such as those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or those on immunosuppressive therapy — are at a higher risk.

Moreover, older people, pregnant women, and children are particularly vulnerable because of comparatively weakened immune systems. When a virus enters the central nervous system (CNS), it can cause a variety of problems, from minor headaches to serious and even fatal illnesses.

The neurological effects of mpox are a result of its ability to breach the blood-brain barrier. This then is followed by infection of the central nervous system and inflammation of brain and spinal cord.

Moreover, immune response from the virus can cause too much inflammation that worsens the nerve cells. Some of these factors include age, overall health status as well as background neurological issues among others which determine how serious this outcome will be.

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Mpox: Unusal Complications And Toll On Mental Health

Mpox-infected individuals often experience various neurological manifestations. Encephalitis is one of the most severe outcomes and it entails brain inflammation that causes seizures, cognitive impairments in the long term, or death.

Some other potential side-effects are meningitis (a condition characterised by inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord), transverse myelitis (spinal cord inflammation) and Guillain-Barré syndrome: a rare illness where your immune system attacks your nerves leading to paralysis and muscle weakness.

Mpox results in depression and anxiety disorders too due to a variety of factors, which include the skin eruptions, pain, isolation of a patient from friends and family, as well as the stigma attached to having it.

Despite its therapeutic significance in fighting infections, isolation can result in mental health problems alongside loneliness. In particular, the pruritic rash early on can worsen depressive symptoms by generating physical discomfort.

In fact, there is a close relationship between deep tissue abscesses or ulcerating lesions that are painful and depression because both conditions share common biochemical pathways especially involving serotonin and norepinephrine. Depression may be aggravated by such suffering due to the neurotransmitters’ role in mood regulation and pain perception.

Thus, the psychological cost of living with mpox along with the physical one can have serious implications for a person’s mental health, necessitating comprehensive care capable of addressing both physical and psychological aspects of the disease.

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Can Mpox Be Prevented?

There isn’t any particular antiviral remedy, cure or process for monkeypox, but early detection and supportive care are necessary to minimise neurological effects. Mass vaccination is the best prevention strategy at the moment, particularly for high-risk groups.

Any infected individuals should be observed closely for neurological symptoms and immediate intervention like immunoglobulin injections or use of antiinflammatory drugs may help reduce inflammation in the brain.

Apart from that, you can avoid complications by practising good hygiene such a frequent handwashing, masking oneself in crowded places, avoiding contact with people who are already sick, and getting medical help as soon as possible.

In addition to being infrequent, mpox’s neurological defects can also be quite grave. For affected individuals’ brain health to be safeguarded, it is crucial that risks are known and acted upon promptly.

Dr. Praveen Gupta is Principal Director & Chief of Neurology at Fortis Hospital in Gurgaon.

[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, 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.]