Fox 13 consults SMC pediatric neurosurgeon on rare brain infections Spiking in the midsouth.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently investigating a concerning increase in rare brain infections. Recently, there has been a significant spike in reported cases in the Midsouth region, prompting journalist Mandy Hrach from Fox13 to seek insight from SMC neurosurgeon Dr. Stephanie Einhaus.

(view broadcast here)

Dr. Einhaus is a double board-certified pediatric neurosurgeon with over 30 years of experience. She treats our community's children at various hospitals in the MidSouth, including Lebonheur, St. Jude, Methodist Hospitals, Baptist Memorial Hospitals, and Regional One.

Dr. Einhaus revealed that while the Midsouth typically sees an average of six to eight of these cases per year, nine cases have already been reported since December 2022. As a result, parents, physicians, and epidemiologists in the area are on high alert.

According to Dr. Einhaus, these infections often manifest as a sinus infection accompanied by a headache and fever. However, parents and caregivers should be vigilant and seek medical attention if their child experiences additional symptoms, such as difficulty staying awake, weakness in an arm or leg, difficulty walking, problems talking, or a seizure. At this point, the child should be taken to a hospital, ideally a children's hospital.

While the cause of the rise in infections is currently unknown, Dr. Einhaus and other pediatric physicians in the area are working diligently to provide the necessary treatment.

It is important for parents and caregivers to familiarize themselves with the symptoms of this infection and know when to seek medical attention. More information on this trend can be found on the CDC's website here