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Faridabad, India – As the monsoon season settles over India, concerns rise over an increased vulnerability to brain infections among children and the elderly living in coastal and rice belt regions. A recent statement by Dr. Sanjay Pandey, Head of Neurology and Stroke Medicine at Amrita Hospital, highlighted the heightened risk during a Wednesday briefing.
Dr. Pandey emphasized that factors such as high humidity and increased mosquito breeding during the monsoon contribute significantly to this risk. He explained that brain infections, known medically as encephalitis, result from severe inflammation in the brain, leading to a spectrum of neurological symptoms ranging from fever and headache to seizures and altered consciousness.
“Brain infections can stem from various sources including viral, bacterial, tubercular, fungal, or protozoal origins,” stated Dr. Pandey, underscoring the diverse nature of these conditions. He noted that the weakened immune systems of children and senior citizens render them particularly susceptible.
While these infections are relatively rare in developed nations, they remain a pressing public health concern in South Asia, especially in India. The monsoon season exacerbates the situation due to favorable conditions for mosquito breeding, which serve as vectors for diseases like dengue and Japanese encephalitis.
A recent study published in Lancet Global Health pinpointed coastal regions such as Karnataka and Orissa, along with states like Assam, Tripura, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh, as endemic zones for viral encephalitis in India.
Dr. Pandey urged parents to remain vigilant for symptoms such as rashes and loss of consciousness in their children during this period. Early detection and intervention, he stressed, are critical as untreated viral encephalitis can lead to long-term neurological complications including parkinsonism and dystonia.
The neurologist advised preventive measures such as controlling mosquito breeding and protecting against mosquito bites. Regarding treatment, he highlighted the importance of tailored approaches depending on the type and cause of the infection. While bacterial infections typically require antibiotics, viral infections necessitate antiviral drugs. Tubercular brain infections demand a prolonged course of anti-tuberculosis medications, while fungal infections are addressed with antifungal treatments.
“For severe cases, supportive care including anti-seizure drugs, corticosteroids, and sometimes surgical interventions may be necessary,” Dr. Pandey added, stressing the importance of prompt medical attention in managing these complex conditions.
As India prepares for the monsoon onslaught, awareness and proactive measures are crucial in mitigating the impact of these potentially devastating brain infections.
