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Aphasia and confusion – influenza encephalopathy: atypical presentation of influenza
Author(s) -
Reiichiro Obata,
K Ernst
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
bmj case reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.231
H-Index - 26
ISSN - 1757-790X
DOI - 10.1136/bcr-2020-235559
Subject(s) - medicine , oseltamivir , confusion , encephalopathy , aphasia , pediatrics , disease , pathology , intensive care medicine , infectious disease (medical specialty) , psychiatry , covid-19 , psychology , psychoanalysis
Influenza encephalopathy, a rare manifestation of influenza infection in the adult population which is not widely recognised, can present with confusion and focal neurological symptoms, including aphasia. The aim of this report is to illustrate the unique presentation of influenza encephalopathy and discuss the need for close attention to and monitoring of this rare but highly fatal disease.A 28-year-old woman was admitted with acute-onset confusion and incoherent speech. CT of the head was unremarkable. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed elevation of protein, but was otherwise unremarkable. A detailed history revealed recent upper respiratory symptoms which prompted a rapid influenza test which was positive and oseltamivir was started. The patient's confusion and aphasia gradually improved and her speech was back to her baseline by the next day.

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