West nile virus medical therapy: Difference between revisions

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==Overview==
==Overview==
There is no specific [[antiviral]] treatment for west nile virus infection.  Current management of these patients is based on supportive care towards [[symptom]] relief and prevention of [[complications]].


==Medical Therapy==
==Medical Therapy==
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*Acute neuromuscular [[respiratory failure]] may develop rapidly and prolonged ventilatory support may be required.
*Acute neuromuscular [[respiratory failure]] may develop rapidly and prolonged ventilatory support may be required.
*Although various drugs have been evaluated or empirically used for WNV disease, none have shown specific benefit to date.  
*Although various drugs have been evaluated or empirically used for WNV disease, none have shown specific benefit to date.  
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===Physical therapy===
There are some [[brain]] injuries associated with West Nile Virus. These injuries include [[encephalitis]] and [[meningitis]]. These brain injuries can result in:
*[[Cognitive]] delays
*[[Gross motor]] delays
*[[Fine motor]] delays
These treatments must be individualized for each patient because the symptoms and severity can differ. A physical therapist can be instrumental in helping to re-develop muscles. A therapist can help with the following goals:
*Increased [[muscle]] tone
*Poor [[endurance]]
*[[Weakness]]
*Decreased [[sensation]]
*Exercises helping with
**[[Muscle reeducation]]
**Improvement of strength
**[[Endurance]]
**[[Coordination]]
**[[Balance]]
Therapists can also assist with:
*[[Gait]] training
*Mobility training
*Transfer training
===Speech therapy===
There are speech problems that may develop in association with West Nile Virus. These include:
*[[Dysphagia]]
*[[Aphasia]]
*[[Dysarthria]]
Speech therapy would have a few specific goals in mind. These include:
*Improve ability to [[swallow]]
*Help patients recover speech and language function
*Prevent complications such as
**[[Aspiration pneumonia]]
===Occupational therapy===
This therapy focuses on improving day to day life of these West Nile Virus patients. These daily activities include:
*Bathing
*Dressing
*Hygiene maintenance
*Feeding
They also address issues that can interfere with a patients ability to function independently.
--->


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Reflist|2}}

Revision as of 15:30, 11 September 2014

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

There is no specific antiviral treatment for west nile virus infection. Current management of these patients is based on supportive care towards symptom relief and prevention of complications.

Medical Therapy

Supportive care Adapted from CDC[1]

  • There is no specific antiviral therapy indicated in patients with west nile virus infection.
  • Treatment consist of supportive measurements and prevention of complications.
  • In severe cases, patients often need to be hospitalized to receive supportive treatment, such as intravenous fluids, analgesics, and nursing care.
  • Patients with severe meningeal symptoms often require pain control for headaches and antiemetic therapy and rehydration for associated nausea and vomiting.
  • Patients with encephalitis require close monitoring for the development of elevated intracranial pressure and seizures.
  • Patients with encephalitis or paralysis should be monitored for inability to protect their airway.
  • Acute neuromuscular respiratory failure may develop rapidly and prolonged ventilatory support may be required.
  • Although various drugs have been evaluated or empirically used for WNV disease, none have shown specific benefit to date.

References

  1. ↑ "CDC Treatment and Prevention".
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