We have known for years that viral infections can be associated with neurological disorders. Some of the most common neurological diseases caused by viral infections include measles, meningitis, postinfectious encephalomyelitis, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, chickenpox, and polio. Fortunately, these conditions are now rare or almost non-existent, thanks to routine immunizations.
However, the development of neurological disorders related to viral infections still occurs. The reason why some viral infections are associated with neurological conditions is complex and still under intense investigation.
“Even today, our knowledge of viruses is limited, knowing that we are surrounded by so many viruses that we don’t even know about,” says Rana Zabad, MD, a neurologist with Nebraska Medicine. “It is important to note that aside from vaccines that are known to reduce the risk of infection, there is no specific measure to prevent progression to a neurological disorder. Also, we still don’t know why some people develop neurological problems.” … after getting a virus, and some don’t. But we think those who do may be genetically predisposed.”
A common virus that is known to affect 90-95% of the world’s population and can increase a person’s risk of multiple sclerosis is Epstein-Barr infection. A recent study by the National Institutes of Health found that people who contracted Epstein-Barr and progressed to infectious mononucleosis at some point in their lives were 32 times more likely to develop MS.
“While almost everyone gets Epstein-Barr, most people are asymptomatic,” says Dr. Zabad. “Only a small fraction of people will develop infectious mononucleosis, also known as mononucleosis, which is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Mononucleosis usually occurs in people who acquire the virus later in adolescence (after the age of ten). ) or adulthood.”
In addition to MS, cases of Epstein-Barr that progress to mono are also associated with other inflammatory neurological disorders in children and adults, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, transverse myelitis, encephalitis, meningitis, and cranial nerve palsies, such as Bell’s palsy, notes Dr. Zabad. While these are all treatable conditions, they can leave the affected person with limitations.
There are several mechanisms that occur during a viral infection that may be associated with progression to neurological disorders.
When viruses and microorganisms invade the body, they can infect various organs, causing everything from minor problems to more serious illnesses. Sometimes these viruses can directly invade the nervous system, as is the case with meningitis or encephalitis.
“This direct infection can lead to an inflammatory response throughout the body that can be more damaging,” explains Dr. Zabad. “A current example is COVID-19, which can cause an inflammatory response that is responsible for bleeding disorders that have led to strokes.”
There is also an indirect effect that can occur in predisposed people. This is called molecular mimicry. After viral infection, molecules similar to those found in the body and nervous system remain. In some cases, the immune system can become confused and mistakenly attack similar molecules in the healthy nervous system.
“The scientific community is one step ahead in understanding one of many important factors that might associate neurological disorders with viral infections,” says Dr. Zabad.
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Source: www.nebraskamed.com