Monkeypox May Cause Neurological Problems Including Seizure

A recent study published in eClinical Medicine states that monkeypox patients may experience neurological problems such as seizures (in rare cases) and confusion.

Aside from the flu-like symptom that can cause scarring rashes in the human skin, these psychological issues add to the list of the severe effects of the virus on an individual.

There are some diagnostic cases of neurological infections in some patients with the related smallpox virus, while some were vaccinated against smallpox, which has the related vaccinia virus.

Approximately 2.7 % of diagnosed patients with monkeypox had at least one seizure, while 2% of the patients experienced encephalitis, a serious brain inflammation that led to long-term disability, according to James Brunton Badenoch's research.

He reviewed 19 studies with 1,512 participants from the United States, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Congo, and the United Kingdom.

Even further, 2.4% of patients experienced confusion. Researchers clarified that the most psychological issues happened among patients admitted with the illness, with narrow information available for milder cases.

Common Psychological Condition on Monkeypox Patients

The academic foundation doctor added that psychological conditions anxiety and depression were more prevalent among confined patients, which may in part be because of the scarring lesions caused by the monkeypox virus, as well as the stigma attached to the virus, Badenoch noted.

However, the researchers can't estimate the duration of these issues, as most studies have insufficient data on long-term follow-up with patients.

The study suggests a need for "coordinated surveillance for such symptoms" and the need to be "watchful of psychiatric symptoms." To guarantee that the patients will access good care, Doctor Badenoch added Barts Health NHS Trusts, which runs five hospitals in London, UK.

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Monkey pox viruses, illustration

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Unclear Final Diagnosis

The thing that the researcher doesn't know is the infections that may affect the brain. They noted common symptoms of depression and anxiety amongst quarantined and hospitalized patients with infectious diseases. The viral infection can lead to profound psychological effects like fear, discrimination, loss, and stigma. Doctor Badenoch said that they need more time to study and estimate the prevalence and longevity of neurological complications among monkeypox-infected patients.

The outbreak appears to be slower in the United States as more vaccines become available and Americans are taking actions to lessen the spread of the virus, according to the officials on Wednesday.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the US had 1,699 new cases the week ending on September 7. Monkeypox worldwide cases are diminishing, but the US is still considered to have the most in the world, with 21,274 cases as of September 7th based on CDC data.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease said last Thursday that it's planning to launch a new clinical trial to test the effectiveness of the Jynneos monkeypox vaccine-the only approved by the Food and Drug Administration to protect against the virus. The federal government aims to register 200 people ages 18 to 50 who have never been vaccinated against smallpox or monkeypox.