Signs of encephalitis caused by chickenpox virus

Doctor Nguyen Le Phuong Hong, Infection Unit, Department of General Internal Medicine, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, said encephalitis caused by chickenpox virus is a rare but serious neurological complication. The disease is related to the varicella zoster virus, which causes chickenpox during initial infection and shingles when the virus reactivates. Encephalitis caused by the chickenpox virus mainly affects adults and infants. The disease causes inflammation in the brain parenchyma and central nervous system dysfunction.

Symptoms of viral encephalitis progress rapidly, the patient can change consciousness after 7 days after being infected with the virus, according to Dr. Hong.

Fever: The patient may have a mild or high fever, from 38 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius, but symptoms of chills and shivers do not always appear.

Headache: Patients with severe and sudden headaches without fever may be due to cerebrovascular diseases such as subarachnoid hemorrhage, requiring immediate medical intervention. The pain caused by viral encephalitis is characterized by a diffuse, continuous headache that cannot be identified specifically.

Disorders of consciousness: Symptoms vary from confusion, slurred speech, drowsiness to coma. Encephalitis can also manifest similarly to other central nervous system infections (purulent meningitis, tuberculosis meningitis).

In addition to the above symptoms, patients may have convulsions, vomiting or limb weakness. Doctors diagnosing encephalitis caused by chickenpox virus need a clinical evaluation combined with tests. Detection of chickenpox virus DNA in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is an important method to identify the disease.

Imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electroencephalogram (EEG) can help detect abnormalities in brain activity and structure. Dr. Hong said that in the case of encephalitis caused by acute infection, about 90% of patients will have abnormal results on MRI.

While waiting for test results, the patient received antiviral treatment via intravenous infusion. Treatment usually lasts 10-14 days depending on the patient’s response and may require symptomatic support measures such as pain relief, fever reduction, and rehydration.

People with viral encephalitis can recover completely. Some cases may experience long-term neurological consequences, including cognitive impairment, motor deficits and seizures, leading to death if not detected early and promptly treated.

To prevent this serious virus, patients need to be vaccinated against chickenpox and shingles. Avoiding contact with people who are infected helps prevent transmission.