The Silent Danger: Epstein-Barr Virus Neurological Symptoms Explained

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a common virus infecting many of the world's population. While most people infected with EBV will only experience mild flu-like symptoms, the virus can cause more severe illnesses, including neurological symptoms and conditions.

In this blog post, we will focus on the impact of EBV on the nervous system, specifically the range of neurological symptoms it can cause. We will also explore the mechanisms of how EBV affects the nervous system and how to manage and prevent them. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with EBV, this article will provide you with essential information to help manage the associated neurological symptoms and promote overall health and well-being.

What is the Epstein-Barr virus?

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a common virus that belongs to the herpesvirus family. It is one of the most common viruses in humans, and most people will contract it at some point in their lives. EBV is most commonly transmitted through bodily fluids, such as saliva, and can cause various illnesses, from mild flu-like symptoms to more serious conditions, such as infectious mononucleosis, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

EBV and Neurological Symptoms

EBV can lead to different neurological manifestations in individuals, ranging from mild to extreme. The most prevalent symptoms are headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and cognitive impairment. Besides these, the virus may also cause serious conditions such as encephalitis and multiple sclerosis.

Encephalitis is a rare but acute EBV infection complication affecting the brain. This condition can cause symptoms such as fever, confusion, seizures, and loss of consciousness. Encephalitis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system. Although medical experts are unsure of the exact cause of MS, they believe that EBV may contribute to its development. Studies have shown that people infected with EBV are more likely to develop MS.

Recognizing Active Epstein-Barr Virus Infection

Extreme fatigue
Fever
Sore throat
Swollen lymph nodes
Enlarged spleen
Swollen liver
Rash
Stressors and emotional disturbances
Autoimmune diseases, like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

Who are at risk for developing neurological symptoms from the Epstein-Barr virus?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Atlanta, USA) reports that 95% of adults between the ages of 35 and 40 carry EBV. Oropharyngeal secretions containing the virus are the primary source of transmission for EBV.

How does the virus spread?

Bodily fluid and saliva transmit the EBV from one individual to another. One of the most well-known EBV infections, mononucleosis, arises as a result.

Sharing personal items with a person who has active EBV infection, such as toothbrushes or dining utensils, is another way to contract the virus. Sexual contact, blood transfusions, or organ transplants can transmit EBV through blood and semen.

EBV becomes dormant and inactive in the body after the symptoms stop, and it might revive in the future. The carrier can infect others if the virus reactivates.

Mechanisms of EBV Neurological Symptoms

The exact mechanisms of how EBV affects the nervous system are not fully understood. However, research has shown that the virus can infect and replicate in different types of nerve cells. In addition, EBV can activate the immune system, leading to inflammation and nerve cell damage.

One possible mechanism of how EBV affects the nervous system is the production of autoantibodies. Autoantibodies are proteins produced by the immune system and can attack healthy cells. In some people, EBV infection can produce autoantibodies that target nerve cells, causing neurological symptoms.

What conditions are caused by EBV?

The brain, spinal cord, and nerves are vulnerable to EBV infection, and it can cause the following conditions:

Viral meningitis

A condition in which the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord become infected.

Optic neuritis

Optic neuritis occurs when the nerve becomes swollen or inflamed. The optic nerve carries image transmission from the eye to the brain.
Transverse myelitis

The spinal cord, which transmits impulses from the brain to the body's nerves, is affected by transverse myelitis.

Facial nerve palsies

During or just before birth, pressure on the facial nerve can cause infants to lose controllable (voluntary) muscle movement in their faces.

Guillain-Barré syndrome

It occurs when the immune system attacks the body’s nerves. As a result of this damage, muscles become weak and sometimes paralyzed.

Acute cerebellar ataxia

Cerebellar ataxia manifests by sudden, uncoordinated muscle movements caused by diseases or injuries to the cerebellum. This part of the brain controls muscle movements, and Ataxia refers to a loss of coordination of muscles, especially the hands and legs.

Hemiplegia

Hemiplegia is a medical condition due to brain damage or spinal cord injury, resulting in paralysis on one side of the body.

Sleep disorders

Numerous chronic ailments and disorders, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and depression, are associated with insufficient sleep.
Psychoses

Losing touch with reality is the first sign of psychosis.

Despite the wide variety of conditions in which EBV is a cause or trigger, extreme fatigue is a symptom that most often occurs.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing EBV neurological symptoms can be challenging, as the symptoms can be similar to those of other neurological conditions. Several examinations can be employed to analyze EBV infection and related neurological issues, such as blood tests, imaging procedures, and spinal taps.

Currently, there is no cure for EBV infection or the resulting neurological conditions. However, several methods to alleviate symptoms include rest, pain relievers, and anti-inflammatory medication. In some cases, antiviral drugs like acyclovir or valacyclovir may provide relief.

Prevention and Management

Preventing EBV infection can be challenging, as the virus is highly contagious and spreads through close contact with infected individuals. It is possible to take some preventive measures to lower the likelihood of contracting the infection. These steps include practicing good hygiene, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and sharing personal items, such as utensils and towels.

Managing EBV neurological symptoms can be challenging, debilitating, and lasting for months or even years. However, several strategies can help address them. These strategies include getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding alcohol and drugs.

What kills Epstein-Barr virus?

One of the most effective ways to kill EBV is to support the immune system. The immune system is the body's natural defense against viruses and other pathogens. When it is strong and functioning properly, it can effectively kill off the virus and prevent it from causing complications.

Consuming a well-balanced diet high in whole grains, lean proteins, and fruits and vegetables is crucial to promote a robust immune system and adopting a healthy lifestyle. Nutrient-rich foods provide the body with the necessary vitamins and minerals to function properly and fight off infections.

Regular exercise can also help support the immune system by reducing stress and promoting overall health. Exercise helps to increase blood flow, which can help carry immune cells throughout the body to fight off infections.

Getting enough sleep and rest is also essential for supporting the immune system. Lack of sleep can weaken the immune system and make it more difficult for the body to fight infections.

In addition to supporting the immune system, several natural remedies can help kill EBV. These include:

Lysine: Lysine is an amino acid that inhibits the growth of EBV. Lysine supplements are readily available for oral consumption.

Lemon balm: Lemon balm is an herb that has antiviral properties and is effective in killing off EBV. Supplement or tea form is available for lemon balm.

Licorice root: Licorice root has antiviral properties and inhibits the growth of EBV. Licorice root is available in supplement or tea form.

OM Mushroom Master Blend: Boost your daily health with Om's special Mushroom Master Blend. It has a selection of 10 organic mushroom powders handpicked by our expert mycologist. Our mushroom powder is made from whole foods, so you get all the natural active compounds. Additionally, included are 35% Beta Glucans standardized organic Reishi whole food extract and 3 organic botanical adaptogens — Ginkgo biloba for the brain, Holy Basil for antioxidants and anti-inflammation, and Astragalus for immune and energy support.

Echinacea: Echinacea is an herb with immune-boosting properties and effectively fights off viral infections such as EBV. Tea and supplements made from echinacea are available.

You may want to try the following supplements:

Daily Immune - is a dietary supplement that aims to provide enhanced immune defense support.

Biocidin Botanicals Biotonic – Daily Adaptogenic Elixir - Biotonic Daily Adaptogenic Elixir is a herbal formula that aims to enhance the effectiveness of Biocidin. It is inspired by two commonly used herbal formulas in Traditional Chinese Medicine that address digestive issues, fatigue, poor assimilation, and weak immune response that have been used for centuries.

Ascorbic Acid - is a powerful antioxidant and offers a wide range of support for the human body. It supports numerous physiological functions, including vascular integrity and immune function.

High-dose intravenous vitamin C is an effective treatment for infection with the Epstein-Barr virus. Dr. Truc Nguyen, an Integrative Functional Medicine practitioner at Conscious Medicine, advises getting laboratory testing done before getting the drip.

*Please check with your healthcare provider before taking these.

Harnessing Knowledge and Support for a Healthy Future

At Conscious Medicine, our process involves identifying all the factors contributing to a dysfunctional immune system in your life. Optimizing your body requires careful management, adapting, and changing factors until they best suit you and improve your health. The last step is to support your immune system, body, and you through this process. Lastly, we empower you with information and create a personalized long-term strategy.

The Epstein-Barr virus neurological symptoms can intensity from moderate to severe. You must consult a functional medicine practitioner for a complete diagnosis if you encounter any EBV symptoms. When treated and diagnosed early, many patients fully recover.

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What is Functional Medicine?

Functional medicine is an approach to healthcare that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of disease. Unlike traditional medicine, which often treats symptoms without addressing underlying problems, functional medicine seeks to understand the body and identify imbalances contributing to illness. Functional medicine practitioners use various tools, including nutrition, lifestyle changes, and supplements, to help their patients achieve optimum health. The root cause is a term used in healthcare to refer to the underlying cause of a disease or condition. A root cause may be genetic, environmental, or lifestyle-related. Identifying and addressing root causes is a key component of functional medicine.

I’m not sick. Should I still schedule a consultation?

Prevention is the best medicine, especially regarding your health. Most people believe that illness occurs in the body when you get older; this is not true. By taking steps to prevent disease and injury today, you can stay healthy and avoid costly medical bills later on down the road. Unhealthy habits create chronic inflammation in the body, leading to later illness.

What if I live in another state? Can you still be my doctor?

Yes! Our consultations are done virtually via phone or Internet via Zoom Calls.

Do you accept insurance?

We do not accept insurance. You can pay by credit card, debit card, HSA/FSA debit card, or care credit. You are welcome to submit the superbill for possible reimbursement from your insurance company. This document itemizes the services rendered and provides the insurance company with the information they need to process your claim. Many of our patients get up to 70% reimbursed.
We do not take any part in submitting claims or calling insurance companies, which is 100% the patient’s responsibility. We do not bill or participate in Medicare for any of our services.

Why don’t you accept insurance?

Unfortunately, insurance companies often dictate patients' care, limiting the effectiveness of treatments and time spent with our patients. Reimbursement rates are often too low to cover quality care costs. The administrative burden of dealing with insurance companies can be significant, which takes away from time that could be spent providing care to patients. We believe in providing the best possible care to our patients by spending as much time as necessary with each patient with personalized treatment plans to ensure their needs are met.

Who is a typical patient you see?

We see various individuals looking to upgrade their health and well-being. Our patients vary from complex health issues to the average person who doesn’t feel right. We help patients with chronic diseases such as autoimmune disease, heart disease, fatigue, insomnia, diabetes, arthritis, high cholesterol, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, anxiety, depression, brain fog, mood disorders, and more. Dr. Truc assists patients in getting off medication safely and healthily that is best suited for the individual.
Our advanced diagnostic testing, combined with Dr. Truc’s Functional Integrative approach, reveals the root cause of these issues. We see a variety of individuals looking to upgrade their health and well-being. Our patients vary from complex health issues to the average person who doesn’t feel right. We help patients with chronic diseases such as autoimmune disease, heart disease, fatigue, insomnia, diabetes, arthritis, high cholesterol, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, anxiety, depression, brain fog, mood disorders, and more. Dr. Truc assists patients in getting off medication safely and healthily that is best suited for the individual.
Our advanced diagnostic testing, combined with Dr. Truc’s Functional Integrative approach, reveals the root cause of these issues.

What can I expect in a wellness consultation?

We see various individuals looking to upgrade their health and well-being. Our patients vary from complex health issues to those who don’t feel right. We help patients with chronic diseases such as autoimmune disease, heart disease, fatigue, insomnia, diabetes, arthritis, high cholesterol, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, anxiety, depression, brain fog, mood disorders, and more. Dr. Truc assists patients in getting off medication safely and healthily that is best suited for the individual.
Our advanced diagnostic testing, combined with Dr. Truc’s Functional Integrative approach, reveals the root cause of these issues.

Where can I get my lab testing done?

Our most commonly recommended lab test for stress management is a non-invasive test done in the comfort of your home with ease.

Some labs may require bloodwork which we offer at our Conscious Medicine office. If the distance is an issue for lab testing, we are happy to assist you in finding a facility closer to where you live. At Lab Corp, you can schedule an appointment directly with their facility.

*To follow CDC sanitation and safety protocols, we only accept one patient at a time in our office, wear proper PPE, and disinfect them.*

Does insurance cover lab tests?

Lab tests are not covered by insurance. Many insurance plans, especially those provided by employers, only cover tests considered "medically necessary." You can check with your insurance supplier to see if they will reimburse you for out-of-network labs.

Lab tests are necessary because they can help diagnose many conditions, from uncomplicated infections to more severe diseases. They can also tell us how well your organs work and help us monitor your overall health.

How do I schedule an appointment?

Dr. Truc offers a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to answer any patient's questions or concerns regarding their health ailment and go over the services provided at Conscious Medicine. We look forward to connecting with you and scheduling a call today.

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