Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Feb 13, 2025 6 hours, 30 minutes ago
Medical News: Scientists Uncover Serious Brain Disorders Linked to Monkeypox (Mpox)
A new study has revealed alarming evidence that the monkeypox virus (MPXV) can lead to severe inflammation in the brain, a condition known as neuroinflammatory disorder. The study, conducted by researchers from multiple prestigious institutions, including the Institute of Neuroscience in Kolkata, India, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, University of Calcutta, Indian Statistical Institute, University Hospital 12 de Octubre in Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital in Madrid, and Complutense University in Spain, analyzed 18 reported cases of MPXV-associated brain conditions. Their findings indicate that the virus, typically known for causing skin lesions, may also have serious effects on the central nervous system (CNS).
Monkeypox Virus and the Growing Threat of Brain Inflammation
This
Medical News report highlights the key findings of this research, which underline the urgent need for medical experts to recognize the potential neurological risks of MPXV infection. As outbreaks continue to occur worldwide, researchers stress the importance of early diagnosis and treatment strategies to prevent life-threatening complications.
The Hidden Neurological Dangers of Monkeypox
The study focused on 18 patients infected with MPXV, revealing a broad range of brain-related complications. The most common conditions identified were acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) in 50% of cases and encephalitis or meningoencephalitis in 38.9%. Other cases involved transverse myelitis, a severe spinal cord inflammation that can lead to paralysis. The researchers found that the time between the onset of monkeypox symptoms and the appearance of neurological issues averaged around 6.2 days, meaning that the brain can become affected shortly after the initial infection.
In addition to these severe conditions, many patients experienced symptoms such as muscle weakness, confusion, agitation, urinary retention, and even seizures. In some cases, the virus led to coma or death, proving just how dangerous MPXV can be beyond the skin.
How the Virus Affects the Brain
Scientists believe that MPXV reaches the brain through the bloodstream, bypassing the body's natural protective barriers. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of infected patients revealed significant damage to multiple areas of the brain, including the basal ganglia, thalamus, brainstem, and corpus callosum. Some patients had fluid accumulation in their brain tissue, while others had signs of inflammation affecting the spinal cord.
A key aspect of the study was the analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. The findings showed elevated levels of white blood cells and proteins, indicating that the immune system was fighting off a serious infection. Additionally, researchers found evidence that the virus was actively present in the nervous system, further proving its ability to invade the brain.
;Treatment Strategies and Patient Outcomes
Doctors have tried multiple treatments to manage these neurological complications, but there is no standardized approach yet. The study revealed that 66.7% of patients received corticosteroids, which help reduce inflammation, while 58.3% were treated with an antiviral drug called tecovirimat. Other therapies included intravenous immunoglobulin, plasmapheresis, and even mechanical ventilation for those with severe breathing difficulties.
Outcomes varied widely among the patients. While 29.4% fully recovered within a few months, another 41.2% experienced partial recovery, meaning they continued to have lingering neurological issues. Alarmingly, 29.4% of patients died from complications linked to MPXV-induced brain disorders. The deaths highlight the critical need for better treatment protocols and early intervention to improve survival rates.
Urgent Need for Global Attention and Research
The researchers emphasize that MPXV is no longer just a skin-related disease but a potential cause of life-threatening brain disorders. They call for enhanced surveillance, better diagnostic tools, and more in-depth studies to understand how the virus enters the nervous system and causes inflammation.
Since the virus is evolving and spreading globally, there is an urgent need for medical communities to prepare for more cases of MPXV-related neurological complications. Future studies should focus on developing effective antiviral treatments and identifying high-risk patients who might be more susceptible to severe brain inflammation.
Conclusions
This systematic review provides strong evidence that MPXV can lead to severe neuroinflammatory disorders of the central nervous system, making it far more dangerous than previously believed. The findings suggest that the virus can cause permanent neurological damage, especially in cases where treatment is delayed. The high mortality rate associated with these conditions underscores the need for medical professionals to remain vigilant, ensuring early detection and intervention for infected individuals.
The study also highlights the gaps in our current understanding of MPXV’s impact on the brain. Scientists urge the global health community to prioritize research on the virus’s neurological effects, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration. Standardized diagnostic criteria and treatment guidelines must be developed to protect vulnerable populations from these severe complications.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: BMC Medicine.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12916-025-03921-6
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Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/study-finds-that-mpox-virus-infects-human-astrocytes-causing-neuroinflammation-and-eventual-brain-damage
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/researchers-warn-that-mpox-monkeypox-virus-is-neuroinvasive
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/up-to-10-percent-of-mpox-infections-could-end-up-in-blindness
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/monkeypox
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