COGNITIVE AND BEHAVIORAL CONSEQUENCES OF CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM INFECTIONS IN CHILDREN
Keywords:
Central nervous system infections, children, cognitive impairment, behavioral disorders, meningitis, encephalitis, neuropsychological outcomesAbstract
Central nervous system (CNS) infections in children, including meningitis, encephalitis, and meningoencephalitis, remain a significant cause of neurological morbidity worldwide. Despite advances in antimicrobial therapy and intensive care, many children who survive CNS infections develop long-term cognitive, behavioral, and emotional disturbances. This article analyzes the cognitive and behavioral consequences of CNS infections in the pediatric population. Particular attention is given to impairments in memory, attention, executive functions, and behavioral regulation. The findings indicate that CNS infections during critical periods of brain development can lead to persistent neuropsychological deficits that negatively affect academic performance and social adaptation. Early diagnosis, adequate treatment, and long-term neuropsychological follow-up are essential for improving outcomes in affected children.
References
Anderson, V., et al. Cognitive and behavioral outcomes after childhood encephalitis. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology. 2010;52(8):701–707.
Bozzola, E., et al. Neurological complications of bacterial meningitis in children. Italian Journal of Pediatrics. 2014;40:72.
Chandran, A., et al. Long-term sequelae of childhood bacterial meningitis. Pediatrics. 2011;128(2):e404–e414.
De Jonge, R. C. J., et al. Cognitive outcome after childhood meningitis. Archives of Disease in Childhood. 2010;95(8):614–619.
Granerod, J., et al. Neuropsychological outcomes of viral encephalitis. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2016;63(11):1459–1466.
Grimwood, K., et al. Long-term outcomes of bacterial meningitis in childhood. Pediatrics. 2000;106(2):e20.
Johnston, M. V. Neurodevelopmental vulnerability after CNS infection. Journal of Child Neurology. 2007;22(8):1049–1056.
Ramakrishnan, M., et al. Cognitive impairment following CNS infections in children. Pediatric Neurology. 2009;40(5):377–383.
Shieh, W. J., & Guarner, J. Pathology of CNS infections. Journal of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology. 2014;73(6):493–505.
van de Beek, D., et al. Long-term neurological outcomes of meningitis. New England Journal of Medicine. 2004;351(18):1849–1859.
