NEUROLOGICAL AND ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHIC PROBLEMS OF THE RUBELLA EPIDEMIC OF 1962

Unusual EEG pattern in rubella encephalitis

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Neurological complications following rubella infection

Neurological complications following rubella are only rarely encountered. However, in many cases severe neurological impairment may occur, leading to permanent disability. In a recent epidemic of rubella in Israel during the years 1978-1979, 20 patients with severe neurological complications have been seen. We report on 5 cases of which 3 are described in detail. Considering the efficacy of immunization against rubella, we suggest that in countries such as England and Israel in which periodic epidemics of rubella occur, a generalized plan of immunization should be undertaken during the first years of life. Such an approach will prevent the neurological complication of congenital, as well as acquired, rubella infection.

Guillain-Barré syndrome after rubella

A case of polyneuropathy (Guillain--Barré syndrome) developing only 6 days after rubella infection in a 26-year-old woman is described. Serological confirmation of the viral infection by detecting the specific IgM antibody has not been previously reported in any of the rubella cases associated with the syndrome.

Rubella polyneuropathy

Two cases of polyneuropathy occurring after rubella infections are described, together with the nerve biopsy and serological findings.