NEURODENGUE: NEUROLOGICAL MANIFESTATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH DENGUE VIRUS INFECTION

Abstract

The term neurodengue refers to neurological manifestations resulting from dengue virus infection, whose frequency has increased in parallel with the growing incidence of the disease. Involvement may affect both the central and peripheral nervous systems, causing conditions such as encephalopathy and encephalitis, as well as other potentially severe and disabling neurological complications. This review aims to address neurological complications related to dengue, emphasizing pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical manifestations, and the main challenges involved in diagnosis. It also aimed to broaden knowledge of these severe and still underrecognized conditions, contributing to early diagnosis and appropriate patient management. A literature search was therefore conducted in the PubMed and Virtual Health Library (BVS) databases using the descriptors “dengue fever” and “neurological manifestations”, available in the Health Sciences Descriptors (DeCS), combined with the Boolean operator “AND”, considering publications from the last 10 years; 15 articles were selected to support the present study. The findings demonstrate the diversity of neurological manifestations related to dengue and highlight the complexity of diagnosis, especially because signs and symptoms overlap with those of other neurological conditions. Thus, recognition of these complications and understanding of their clinical and pathophysiological aspects are essential for appropriate patient care and for the prevention of unfavorable outcomes.