Several viruses are known to cause confusion, primarily by affecting the brain or surrounding tissues and causing alterations in mental status. Based on the provided information, the most common viruses implicated as causes of altered mental status, which includes confusion, are herpes simplex virus, nonpolio enteroviruses, mumps, the arboviruses, and Epstein-Barr viruses.
Viral Infections and Altered Mental Status
Confusion is often a symptom of altered mental status, which can be caused by various medical conditions, including viral infections affecting the central nervous system. Conditions like viral meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord) and viral encephalitis (inflammation of the brain itself) are examples of how viruses can impact neurological function and lead to confusion.
According to the reference, viral meningitis and encephalitis can also cause alterations in mental status. These alterations include symptoms like confusion, disorientation, and changes in consciousness.
Key Viruses Associated with Altered Mental Status
The reference highlights specific viruses that are most commonly linked to causing altered mental status through conditions like viral meningitis and encephalitis. These include:
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV): Known for causing cold sores and genital herpes, certain types of HSV can also lead to severe encephalitis.
- Nonpolio enteroviruses: A common group of viruses that can cause a variety of illnesses, including viral meningitis.
- Mumps: While vaccination has significantly reduced cases, mumps can still cause meningitis and, less commonly, encephalitis.
- Arboviruses: Viruses transmitted by arthropods, such as mosquitoes and ticks (e.g., West Nile virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus). These are significant causes of viral encephalitis.
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV): Best known for causing mononucleosis, EBV can also, in rare cases, affect the nervous system and cause meningitis or encephalitis.
These viruses can disrupt normal brain function, resulting in confusion and other neurological symptoms as part of the broader term "altered mental status" mentioned in the reference.
