Can chickenpox cause neurological problems?
Can chickenpox cause neurological problems?
Cerebellar ataxia, encephalitis and rarely, facial paralysis can be seen as neurological complications of chickenpox. The most serious complication that involves the central nerve system secondary to chicken pox is encephalitis.
Can chickenpox cause brain damage?
Chickenpox is a serious disease because it can cause scarring, pneumonia, brain damage and sometimes death. One in 33,000 people with chickenpox can develop encephalitis (brain inflammation). After you have had chickenpox, the virus stays in your body.
What are the long term side effects of chicken pox?
Serious complications from chickenpox include:
- Bacterial infections of the skin and soft tissues in children, including Group A streptococcal infections.
- Infection of the lungs (pneumonia)
- Infection or swelling of the brain (encephalitis, cerebellar ataxia)
- Bleeding problems (hemorrhagic complications)
What disease comes after chicken pox?
Shingles is caused by varicella zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus stays dormant (inactive) in their body. The virus can reactivate later, causing shingles. Most people who develop shingles have only one episode during their lifetime.
What is varicella meningoencephalitis?
Varicella Zoster is a relatively common disorder in immunocompromised patients characterized by radicular pain and grouped vesicular eruptions. The typical findings in reported cases of VZV meningitis involve skin manifestations and classical signs of meningitis such as neck stiffness.
How long does it take to fully recover from chickenpox?
They may occur all over the body, including the mouth and genital area. Some people may have only a few spots whereas others will have hundreds. Symptoms start appearing 10-21 days after exposure to the virus. Full recovery from chickenpox usually takes 7-10 days after the symptoms first appear.
Can I get chickenpox twice?
Later in the illness, the virus is spread by direct contact with the fluid in the blisters. The infection is highly contagious to people who have never had chickenpox or who have not been vaccinated. Chickenpox infection triggers an immune response and people rarely get chickenpox twice.
How can you prevent meningoencephalitis?
These steps can help prevent meningitis:
- Wash your hands. Careful hand-washing helps prevent the spread of germs.
- Practice good hygiene. Don’t share drinks, foods, straws, eating utensils, lip balms or toothbrushes with anyone else.
- Stay healthy.
- Cover your mouth.
- If you’re pregnant, take care with food.
Are there any medications that can treat chickenpox?
Treatments Prescribed by Your Doctor for People with Chickenpox. Your healthcare provider can advise you on treatment options. Antiviral medications are recommended for people with chickenpox that are more likely to develop serious illness, including: There are antiviral medications licensed for treatment of chickenpox.
What are the best tips for treating fever from chickenpox?
Keeping fingernails trimmed short may help prevent skin infections caused by scratching blisters. Do not use aspirin or aspirin-containing products to relieve fever from chickenpox. The use of aspirin in children with chickenpox has been associated with Reye’s syndrome, a severe disease that affects the liver and brain and can cause death.
What should I do if I accidentally scratched my chickenpox blister?
If you do scratch a blister by accident, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Do not use aspirin or aspirin-containing products to relieve fever from chickenpox. The use of aspirin in children with chickenpox has been associated with Reye’s syndrome, a severe disease that affects the liver and brain and can cause death.
Which medications are used to treat chickenpox (varicella-zoster virus disease)?
Acyclovir, an antiviral medication, is licensed for treatment of chickenpox. The medication works best if it is given within the first 24 hours after the rash starts. For more information, see Acyclovir Treatment.
