H1N1-associated acute leukoencephalopathy: An unusual presentation in a young adult indian male

The H1N1 virus commonly causes symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, which have a self-limited course in most cases. Neurological complications are rare, especially in adults. This case illustrates H1N1-associated acute leukoencephalopathy in a young adult with a favorable outcome and no lasting neurological deficits. The initial presentation included fever, sore throat, and myalgia, evolving into neurological symptoms, including dysarthria, nystagmus, and left-sided motor weakness. Comprehensive laboratory tests ruled out common bacterial, viral, or autoimmune causes, while MRI findings suggested acute leukoencephalopathy of infectious or toxic etiology. Although the urine toxicology screen showed traces of phenol, clinical evidence did not correlate with toxic exposure and pointed towards an infectious origin. A throat swab for Influenza/H1N1 PCR confirmed the diagnosis. Treatment with oseltamivir and methylprednisolone led to symptomatic improvement with no sequelae.