News / International
Study claims Ebola survivors may be left with long-term brain problems
25 Feb 2016 at 01:31hrs | Views
Ebola survivors may be left with long-term "brain health problems", according to the findings of a new study.
US researchers found survivors of the virus reported problems including muscle pain, headaches, memory loss, depressed moods, and in rare cases suicidal feelings, six months after recovering from the illness.
Based on the examination of 82 survivors in Liberia the US National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke study found that most had some form of "neurologic abnormality" and half suffered headaches and memory loss.
Two people in the study were also reportedly suicidal and one suffered hallucinations.
Study Dr Lauren Brown warned that the residual effects of the virus could be long-term and a so-called recovery may not be the end for survivors.
"While an end to the outbreak has been declared, these survivors are still struggling with long-term problems. It is important for us to know how this virus may continue to affect the brain long term," Dr Lauren Brown said.
The study findings come as British nurse Pauline Cafferkey is treated at the Royal Free Hospital in London for the third time following a "late complication" from Ebola.
US researchers found survivors of the virus reported problems including muscle pain, headaches, memory loss, depressed moods, and in rare cases suicidal feelings, six months after recovering from the illness.
Based on the examination of 82 survivors in Liberia the US National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke study found that most had some form of "neurologic abnormality" and half suffered headaches and memory loss.
Two people in the study were also reportedly suicidal and one suffered hallucinations.
Study Dr Lauren Brown warned that the residual effects of the virus could be long-term and a so-called recovery may not be the end for survivors.
"While an end to the outbreak has been declared, these survivors are still struggling with long-term problems. It is important for us to know how this virus may continue to affect the brain long term," Dr Lauren Brown said.
The study findings come as British nurse Pauline Cafferkey is treated at the Royal Free Hospital in London for the third time following a "late complication" from Ebola.
Source - www.itv.com
