Complications

Complication
Timeframe
Likelihood
short term
high

Neurological complications resulting from encephalitis (e.g., seizures, lethargy, disorientation, ataxia, and paresis) are seen in the majority of patients who require hospitalisation.[11]

Eastern equine encephalitis virus can cause neurological complications as it can infect the central nervous system of the host.

Monitoring for elevated intracranial pressure may prevent brain herniation and death.

long term
medium

Of those who recover from infection, approximately 50% have neurological sequelae.​[1][33]​​

Gross and fine motor impairment may be a long-term neurological complication associated with infection.[11][63]

long term
medium

Of those who recover from infection, approximately 50% have neurological sequelae.​[1][33]​​

Memory impairment may be a long-term neurological complication associated with infection.[11][63]

long term
medium

Of those who recover from infection, approximately 50% have neurological sequelae.​[1][33]​​

Behavioural changes may be a long-term neurological complication associated with infection.[11][63]

long term
medium

Of those who recover from infection, approximately 50% have neurological sequelae.​[1][33]​​

Weakness and tremors may be a long-term neurological complication associated with infection.[11][63]

long term
medium

Of those who recover from infection, approximately 50% have neurological sequelae.​[1][33]

Sensory defects (e.g., reduction in hearing, taste, and smell) may occur in the long-term as a result of neurological complications caused by infection.[64]

variable
high

Seizures are seen most commonly in patients aged >50 years or <15 years.[1]

Anticonvulsants are used to manage seizures, but treatment may need to be monitored (i.e., serum drug levels) to ensure that therapeutic levels are achieved.

variable
medium

Use of benzodiazepines for seizure control in an emergency may result in hypotension and sedation with a need for intubation to protect the patient's airway.

Anticonvulsants may have many drug-drug interactions, are generally not recommended in pregnancy, may require serum drug level monitoring, and have many possible adverse effects.

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