The classification of neuroinfections is determined by the place of their occurrence. Distinguish encephalitis, myelitis, arachnoiditis, meningitis and combined forms. Acute viral infections are called groups of acute viral diseases, the manifestation of which is similar to polio, but the virus of this disease has nothing to do with them. In acute viral infections, the gray matter of the spinal cord and brain, as well as large motor neurons , are affected .
In most cases, the registration of such diseases occurs in the warm season. In this case, neuroinfections in children are most often found. The source of infection is sick people or virus carriers. The main transmission route is airborne.
Most often, the infectious process that affects the nervous system is characterized by three clinical syndromes:
- Intoxication syndrome . General weakness is observed, body temperature rises.
- Cerebrospinal fluid syndrome . Cell-protein dissociation is observed, which is an increase in the number of cells and protein in the cerebrospinal fluid, however , there are significantly more cells than protein.
- Syndrome of cerebrospinal fluid hypertension . There is an increase in headache in a supine position, which manifests itself more in the morning. There is weakness, impaired consciousness, as well as an increase in the frequency of respiration and heart contractions, which appears against the background of a decrease in systolic blood pressure.
Symptoms of Neuroinfection
Symptoms of these neuroinfections include flaccid paresis, which are temporary immobilization. In this case, most often, foot damage occurs, which leads to a change in the gait of the child. With pressure on the leg, painful sensations along the trunks of large nerves are noted.
Usually the disease is characterized by a mild course. However, in some cases, it is complicated by the occurrence of paralysis. The causative agents of acute viral infections are mumps, adenoviruses, enteroviruses and herpes simplex viruses.
Neuroinfection Treatment
Treatment of neuroinfection is carried out depending on the pathogen. Therapy of microbial infections involves the use of antibiotics with a wide spectrum of action. Such treatment is carried out until the pathogen is identified, after which the treatment of neuroinfection is carried out with specific antibiotics. Viral infections are treated with antiviral agents.
As a pathogenetic and symptomatic therapy, infusion treatment of neuroinfection is used, as well as diuretics, neuroprotectors, vitamins and drugs that improve cerebral circulation. A patient with acute viral neuroinfection is prescribed peace and therapeutic exercises. Also, treatment of neuroinfection involves taking medications that improve the general condition of the patient.
The consequences of neuroinfection
Gross structural brain lesions observed in the prenatal period are the main consequences of neuroinfection. They represent malformations. Retrospective diagnosis of the consequences of the postnatal period is difficult.
The connection between developmental disorders and neuroinfection can be argued only if there is anamnesis that confirms meningitis, encephalitis , etc. Do not forget that neurological disorders that arose after a disease accompanied by fever do not always indicate neuroinfection.
Retrospective identification of the disease can be carried out in the course of a serological study. It represents the detection in the blood of a child of specific antibodies with a high titer. The study is effective only in the case of a recent disease.