Influenza encephalopathy and related neuropsychiatric syndromes

Influenza is occasionally complicated by CNS disorders, in particular impairment of consciousness. Severe disorders encompass multiple, distinct syndromes manifesting acute encephalopathy, whereas mild disorders represent multiple, ill-defined neuropsychiatric syndromes. Acute encephalopathy is manifested with seizures and coma, with or without multi-organ involvement. The outcome varies from death or neurologic sequelae to recovery and differs among syndromes. Transient neuropsychiatric disorders are manifested with delirium and/or abnormal behavior. There also are multiple syndromes. The outcome is usually favorable, although occasional fatal accidents warrant caution.