Seizures associated with coronavirus infections

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Coronaviruses are known to possess neurotropic and neuroinvasive properties.
• Neurological manifestations associated with coronavirus infections include seizures, encephalitis, and encephalomyelitis.
• The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which can lead to severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and cardiac injury.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the potential for acute symptomatic seizures in patients with COVID-19.
• To highlight the plausibility of seizures given the systemic complications of severe COVID-19.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on coronavirus neurotropism and neurological complications.
• Analysis of clinical presentations and potential pathophysiological mechanisms linking COVID-19 to seizures.

Main Results:

• While seizures and status epilepticus have not been widely reported in COVID-19, patients may experience hypoxia, multiorgan failure, and severe metabolic/electrolyte disturbances.
• These conditions create a plausible scenario for the occurrence of acute symptomatic seizures, both clinical and subclinical.

Conclusions:

• Clinicians should anticipate and be prepared to treat seizures in COVID-19 patients, particularly those who are critically ill and have organ failure.
• Proactive management of seizures is crucial for optimizing outcomes in patients with severe COVID-19 and associated neurological complications.