Viruses that affect the brain can have devastating and long-lasting consequences. This test screens for the viruses responsible for most neurological complications.
Overview
What is a neurological virus?
A virus which affects the brain. The most common examples are viral meningitis and viral encephalitis.
How does a virus reach the brain?
Usually it starts elsewhere - as one of several common viruses such as herpes, measles or mumps – and travels through the bloodstream to the brain.
Symptoms of a viral brain infection?
Symptoms can include fever, confusion, drowsiness, change of personality, loss of memory and fits or seizures. In rare cases, some brain viruses can prove fatal.
How do I get tested?
Book a simple blood test now.
Did You Know?
There are around 5,000 cases of viral meningitis in the UK each year
What is a neurological virus?
A neurological virus is a virus that affects the brain. Often, viruses that affect the brain don’t start there. They arrive in another part of the body and travel to the brain via the bloodstream.
Once the virus reaches the brain it can cause complications such as viral encephalitis (swelling of the brain) or viral meningitis (inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord).
Symptoms of a viral brain infection
Viral meningitis, encephalitis and other viral infections of the brain do not always lead to long lasting debilitation – especially when diagnosed early. But infection is always serious, and especially so in children and the elderly.
Symptoms can develop quickly (in hours) or over weeks and can include:
- Confusion
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Fever
- Fits or seizures
- Changes in personality
- Speech problems
- Weakness or lack of coordination
- Loss of consciousness
Even once the initial infection has subsided, some brain infections can be life- changing. The Confederation of Meningitis Organisations reports that 97% of viral meningitis victims suffer after-effects including exhaustion, depression, anxiety, headaches, memory loss and hearing problems.
Which viruses cause neurological infection?
The most common culprit of neurological infection is the herpes simplex virus (HSV) but a wide range of common viruses can result in neurological complications. That’s why this virus test screens you for the following viruses:
- Influenza A CFT
- Influenza B CFT
- Measles IgG
- Measles IgM
- Mumps IgG
- Mumps IgM
- CMV IgG
- HSV 1/2 IgG
- HSV 1/2 IgM
- VZV IgG
How can this test help me?
Infants, the elderly and people with weak immune systems are at greatest risk from neurological viruses, and the effects can be severe. Whilst there is no ‘cure’ for brain viruses, the symptoms can be managed and the effects reduced with early diagnosis. The quicker the diagnosis, the greater the likelihood of a complete recovery.
How do I get tested?
To get tested please contact Better2Know your Body on the number above or click book now.