H1N1 Virus Causing More Seizures in Children Than the Seasonal Flu

University of Utah researchers have found that the incidence of seizures in children with H1N1 virus is higher than in those suffering from seasonal flu.

When compared to children suffering from the seasonal flu, University of Utah researchers have found that the incidence of seizures is significantly higher in children with the H1N1 virus.

The most common complications following the 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) observed were seizures and encephalopathy.

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Neurological complications observed included seizures, febrile seizures, status epilepticus, encephalopathy, encephalitis, myositis, myalgia, aphasia, ataxia, neuropathy, Gullain-Barre syndrome, or other focal neurological complaints.

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"We found that more pediatric H1N1 patients had neurological deficits and required ongoing treatment with anti-epileptic medications upon discharge from the hospital," commented Dr. Josh Bonkowsky.

Additionally, researchers found the use of steroids or intravenous immunoglobulin was not beneficial in the treatment of encephalopathy.

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"The absence of proven treatments for influenza-related neurological complications underlines the importance of vaccination," said Bonkowsky.

The findings are published in the September issue of Annals of Neurology.

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Source-ANI