Herpes Virus Can Travel to Brain, Causing Long-Term Neurological Issues

A recent study has identified herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), commonly associated with cold sores, as capable of traveling through the nasal cavity directly to the brain. Researchers observed that this pathway can result in severe and lasting neurological symptoms. The findings were based on animal experiments where nasal HSV-1 infection led to persistent issues such as anxiety and cognitive impairment.

The study highlights how  HSV-1, typically known for its effects on the skin and mucous membranes, may have broader implications for brain health. In the experiments, researchers noted that once the virus reached the brain via the nasal cavity, it triggered neurological dysfunctions that persisted over time. These included behavioral changes like heightened anxiety and measurable declines in cognitive performance. The research underscores a potential link between viral infections and long-term neurological conditions, suggesting further investigation into HSV-1’s impact on brain function is warranted.

Date: March, 2025

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Author

Mark Chiang

紐約 NYU Computer Science 碩士 紐澤西 UMDNJ Biomedical Informatics 博士 中研院博士後 台灣大學博士後