Doctor warns about neurological complications of influenza

Influenza can cause dangerous neurological consequences, including encephalitis (inflammation of brain tissue) and encephalopathy (functional disorders of the brain). Neurologist and founder of a network of medical clinics Alexander Tkachev said this in an interview with RT.

The specialist emphasized that such complications can appear already in the first days of the disease, and not only at the stage of apparent recovery. At the same time, the expert called for a clear distinction between the natural recovery period and pathological conditions. Continued fatigue, decreased performance, and the need for additional rest after the temperature returns to normal are normal reactions of the body and can last up to two weeks. The presence of a headache and general malaise does not in itself indicate a viral infection of the central nervous system.

However, in rare cases, severe neurological disorders develop that progress rapidly. According to Tkachev, the mechanism of development of pathology is not always associated with direct penetration of the virus into the brain. Often the cause is an excessive inflammatory response of the body's own immune system.

Alarm signals that require immediate calling an ambulance are confusion, disorientation in space, inappropriate behavior, severe lethargy and convulsions. The doctor noted the need for increased attention to children, since severe forms of complications are recorded even in those who previously had no health problems. In such situations, you cannot wait for the temperature to drop on your own and you should contact a specialist.

Rehabilitation after severe brain damage can take a long time, and in some patients, neurological problems persist on an ongoing basis. In addition, there are delayed complications that appear several weeks after the infection. As an example, the neurologist cited Guillain-Barré syndrome. In this autoimmune disease, the body's defenses begin to attack the peripheral nerves, which clinically manifests as tingling and numbness in the hands and feet, followed by progressive muscle weakness.