Ebola survivors suffer from severe mental and neurological problems

(Reuters) – Individuals who survive the deadly Ebola virus can continue to suffer severe psychiatric and neurological problems, including depression, debilitating migraines, nerve pain and stroke, according to a study released Wednesday .

Researchers who badyzed patients infected during the 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak in West Africa found that some survivors had health problems so severe that they were unable to take care of themselves.

"We knew that a disease as serious as Ebola would leave survivors with major problems – however, I was surprised to see young and previously active people who had survived but who were now unable to move half their body, or speak, or, "said Janet Scott of the University of Liverpool, Britain, who co-directed the research.

She said the results demonstrate the need for larger and more detailed studies of Ebola survivors compared to matched controls who have not had a virus.

Published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, l & # 39; study reviewed patient ratings of more than 300 Ebola survivors in Sierra Leone, one of the most affected countries by the 2014-2016 epidemic.

Thirty-four patients selected to participate in a neuropsychiatric clinic in 2016 where they underwent a neurological examination complete, psychiatric screening and specialized examinations, including brain imaging. Patrick Howlett of King's College London, who co-directed the research, said his findings showed that Ebola survivors may be suffering from post-Ebola syndrome or respiratory distress syndrome. .

Neurological problems included stroke, debilitating migraines and nerve pain, while the most common psychiatric diagnoses among the survivors studied were depression and anxiety.

The Ebola outbreak in West Africa 2014-2016 killed more than 11,300 people and infected approximately 28,000 people while she was crossing Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia. Estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO) suggest that more than 10,000 people have survived the disease.

The researchers said the findings indicated an urgent need for specialized medical professionals trained in the needs of Ebola survivors and the best way to treat PES.

"The post-Ebola syndrome will not go away, and those who suffer from it deserve better treatment," Scott said.