Dear Takeo,
Warm greetings from the east of England.
Flu in children on its own causes visual hallucinations and changes in
mental status. Here is a published case series.
Huang YC, Lin TY, Wu SL, Tsao KC. Influenza A-associated central nervous
system dysfunction in children presenting as transient visual hallucination.
Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2003 Apr;22(4):366-8.
Five children, ages 3 to 6 years, developed visual hallucination and
inappropriate behavior within 3 days of the onset of an influenza-like
illness. Electroencephalographic examinations showed generalized slow waves
in all five cases. Evidence of acute influenza A viral infection was
documented in all five cases. Within 8 days all five children were
discharged in stable condition. Influenza A-associated central nervous
system dysfunction may be more common than previously recognized, and the
prognosis is not necessarily poor.
Here is a report which concludes "Influenza should be considered in the
differential diagnosis in patients with seizures and mental status changes,
especially if they present with respiratory symptoms or during an influenza
outbreak".
Neurologic Complications Associated With Influenza A in Children During the
2003–2004 Influenza Season in Houston, Texas.
Full free text @
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/114/5/e626
BMJ rapid responses on oseltamivir & subsequent deaths
http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/eletters/328/7433/227
I am not an expert either in influenza or pharmaco-therapeutics. However my
suggestion is before we jump to conclusions we need to review all the
evidence of the side effects of the drug and the manifestations of the
disease which appear to be similar in this case.
Warm regards & very best wishes,
Badri
Dr.P.Badrinath MD, BS, M.Phil, MPH, PhD (Cantab), MFPH
Consultant in Public Health & Affiliated Clinical Lecturer,
Suffolk West PCT & University of Cambridge, UK
http://myprofile.cos.com/badrishanthi
Disclaimer: The above views are my own and not that of my employing
organisations.
|