Neurological Manifestations in COVID-19
Author(s): Rohit Wanjari, Abhishek Joshi* and Ashok Mehendale
Abstract
Background: Novel coronavirus infection results in Coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and is termed as “Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)”. Mild to moderate symptoms are being reported in a major proportion of patients suffering from COVID-19 infection, which are mainly respiratory. A large percentage of COVID-19 infected cases are asymptomatic, while few had minor symptoms like rise in temperature, cough, difficulty in breathing, body aches, throat pains etc.
Main text: Although the COVID-19 disease is mainly associated with respiratory symptoms, there can be neurological symptoms in some patients with severe disease. Anosmia has emerged as a predominant feature of SARS-CoV?2. This also arises the probability of some degree of involvement of the CNS with the infection. The mechanisms suggested are that SARS-CoV?2 can enter the CNS via two routes, namely via blood stream or direct spread. Neurological manifestations are seen in patients having prolonged stay in ICU intensive care units. COVID- 19 involves both central nervous system and peripheral nerves. Neurological manifestations of the disease can be due to the neuro-invasiveness of the virus. It can also be an indirect manifestation of multi?organ system failure. The most common neurological manifestation was acute encephalopathy with an incidence of 50%. Manifestations like stroke and coma and also meningitis, encephalitis and myelopathy can occur.
Conclusion: Early diagnosis and management is needed for CNS manifestations as they pose a risk for serious complications. Considering the adverse effects of COVID-19 disease on the central nervous system, more research is needed. This will help evaluate the short and long term effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the functioning of the central nervous system.
Keywords: COVID-19, Nervous system, SARS-CoV-2, Neurological complications, Acute encephalopathy Ischaemic stroke, Guillain-Barre syndrome