How the Simplex Virus Can Affect Your Brain

simplex virus can affect your brain

When people think of the herpes simplex virus, they think of genital herpes and cold sores. Those are terrible enough on their own. The sad truth is that they are not the only things that the virus can cause. The simplex virus can affect your brain also. Encephalitis and viral meningitis are the biggies that can leave some devastating effects.

Encephalitis

This disease shows up as swelling of the brain. This is how the simplex virus affects your brain – the virus triggers the inflammation.

Fevers and stiffness are common side effects, as are headaches. It’s also likely that the afflicted will experience nausea, to be followed by a period of vomiting. As the disease progresses, one would experience confusion and epileptic episodes.

While other viruses can cause encephalitis, the simplex virus is unique. It targets the temporal lobe. This is the area of our brain responsible for memory and speech. Most people recover from this, but some suffer long-term memory and speech impediments.

Viral Meningitis

Meningitis has many different forms. The simplex virus is actually the most common cause of viral meningitis in the developed world. Meningitis is characterized by swelling of the membranes that surround our brain and spinal cord.

There are some common symptoms of encephalitis, including stiffness, fevers, and nausea. Meningitis differs in the sense that it can lead to rashes and light sensitivity.

The complications from meningitis are also more severe. They include hearing loss, kidney failure, system shock, and even death.

In Conclusion

These two diseases are prime examples of just how the simplex virus can affect your brain. They both can lead to quite profound consequences for those affected.