Pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 with neurological manifestations, a case series.

OBJECTIVES

Describe a series of atypical presentations of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009.

METHODS

Description of case series using hospital records.

RESULTS

Six patients aged 1 to 65 years with confirmed pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 infection presented with neurological complications within 2 to 5 days after the first signs of influenza-like illness. All six were admitted with seizures or altered mental status. No abnormalities were found in brain scans or cerebral spinal fluid studies of any of the six. All were discharged without sequelae within days of admission.

CONCLUSIONS

This is only the second report of pandemic influenza presenting with neurological manifestations. Clinicians caring for patients when pandemic influenza is prevalent in their communities should maintain a high level of awareness of the potential atypical presentations with which this disease can appear.