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Viral Central Nervous System Infections in Children

By

The Manual's Editorial Staff

Reviewed/Revised Dec 2023
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What are viral central nervous system (CNS) infections?

Viral CNS infections can be very serious.

What causes viral CNS infections in children?

Viral central nervous system infections are caused by many different types of viruses.

Children get these viruses in different ways, for example:

  • From their mother as they pass through the birth canal (herpesvirus)

  • Bites by infected insects

  • Breathing air near someone who has the virus

What are the symptoms of a viral CNS infection in children?

Symptoms vary by age.

Babies usually have:

  • Fever

  • Fussiness or crying, even when held or rocked—sometimes with an unusual, high-pitched cry

  • Throwing up

  • Eating poorly

In some babies, the first sign is a seizure.

Children may have:

  • Headache

  • Stiff neck

  • Fever

  • With severe encephalitis, sluggishness and confusion followed by coma and possibly death

With encephalitis caused by herpes simplex virus infection Herpes Simplex Virus Infections There are 8 different types of herpesvirus. Even though herpes simplex is only one of those types, most people just call it "herpes." Herpes simplex is a viral infection that causes a rash of... read more Herpes Simplex Virus Infections , infants and children may have evidence of infection elsewhere such as a rash of red spots and fluid-filled blisters on the skin, in the mouth, or around the eyes.

Are there any complications of a viral CNS infection?

Some babies and children have brain and nerve problems after the infection. They may have:

  • Weakness in an arm or leg

  • Loss of sight or hearing

  • Changes in the way they act

  • Learning or behavior problems

  • Seizures that come and go

Sometimes these problems go away, but they can be permanent.

How will doctors know if my child has a viral CNS infection?

To know if your child has meningitis or encephalitis, doctors do:

  • A spinal tap

In a spinal tap, the doctor puts a needle into the lower back to draw fluid from around the spinal cord. Sometimes doctors also do:

How do doctors treat viral CNS infections in children?

Doctors may:

  • Treat babies in the hospital to keep them warm and give them fluids and medicines for fever or seizures

  • Treat a herpes simplex virus infection with an antiviral medicine through your child's vein (IV)

  • Sometimes, treat long-lasting brain and nerve damage by giving corticosteroids or other medicines

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