JAMA NetworkNeurologic Complications of Smallpox and Monkeypox

Reported neurologic complications of monkeypox include headaches and mood disturbances, and more rarely, encephalitis, transverse myelitis, and seizures. Historically neurologic complications of smallpox include encephalitis, transverse myelitis, and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis among others. Of concern is the possibility of viral persistence and systemic complications in immunocompromised individuals. Monkeypox should be considered when these neurologic symptoms are seen in high-risk populations.