Severe Dengue Can Have A Neurological Impact: Warning Signs To Watch Out For As Cases Surge Across India

As the monsoon season intensifies, several parts of India are seeing a rise in dengue fever. Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Delhi, and Maharashtra have all reported a concerning rise in the number of infections. Doctors and health authorities are urging the public to take precautions, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.

The most concerning aspect of dengue is that the disease is unpredictable. While it can affect anyone, the symptoms and severity may vary from person to person. While dengue is mostly associated with symptoms like fever, body aches, and fatigue, there are instances when it may also affect the brain and cause neurological complications.

Also Read: The Risk Of Severe Dengue, Possible Death: Actions To Take Before It's Too Late

What Is Severe Dengue?

"Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus, which is spread to people through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, which is a predominantly day-biting mosquito," Dr Hema Krishna P, Consultant - Neurology and Movement Disorders, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, tells the OnlyMyHealth team, adding that A. Aegypti and A. albopictus are the two most common species, and they are extensively distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions around the world.

Dengue is generally considered severe when it becomes worse or more life-threatening.

Also known as dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, it occurs when the blood vessels become damaged and start to leak, according to the Mayo Clinic. This can cause one's platelets to drop continuously, leading to shock, internal bleeding, organ failure, and even death.

How Dengue Impacts The Neurological System?

While most people with dengue experience symptoms like fever, joint pain, fatigue, and rash, in severe cases, the condition can affect the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord, Dr Krishna notes.

A 2022 study published in the Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports suggests that dengue fever can directly infect the nervous system or trigger immune system responses that damage nerves.

Researchers highlight that it can lead to a variety of serious conditions, including encephalitis, or brain inflammation, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), and stroke. The authors emphasise that doctors need to be aware of these potential complications, especially in areas where dengue is common.

In people with severe dengue, common neurological symptoms include:

• Persistent and throbbing headache
• Neck stiffness and vomiting, which could indicate meningitis or encephalitis due to inflammation of the brain.
• Confusion, disorientation, or difficulty concentrating
• Convulsions, a condition in which muscles contract and relax quickly

Preventive Measures To Take

While there is no specific treatment for dengue itself, supportive care can help manage symptoms and prevent complications. These include:

• IV fluids are often given to prevent dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhoea, a common complication of dengue.
• Pain medications to help relieve fever and muscle aches
• Preventive measures include:
• Using insect repellent
• Wearing long-sleeved clothing
• Using mosquito nets
• Keeping the surroundings clean
• Frequently emptying water containers

Dr Krishna emphasises early recognition and treatment of neurological complications of dengue infection, as it can help reduce morbidity and mortality.