2019-NCoV: What Every Neurologist Should Know?

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• The 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, originating in Wuhan, China, primarily targets the respiratory system.
• However, its impact extends to various medical specialties, notably neurology, affecting clinical practice.
• Neurological manifestations, though less common than respiratory ones, are significant in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the impact of 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection on neurological practice.
• To analyze the spectrum of neurological manifestations associated with COVID-19.
• To assess the influence of pre-existing neurological conditions on COVID-19 severity and outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on COVID-19 and neurological manifestations.
• Analysis of reported neurological symptoms, including early (headache, dizziness, anosmia, ageusia) and late (encephalopathy) presentations.
• Examination of rare occurrences such as stroke and the impact on specific neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis.

Main Results:

• Neurological symptoms affect over one-third of hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
• Pre-existing conditions like cerebrovascular disease and dementia are associated with increased infection risk and severity.
• No conclusive evidence suggests COVID-19 alters the course or outcome of most established neurological disorders.
• Concerns exist regarding febrile seizures in children, balanced by reduced infection rates in this group.

Conclusions:

• COVID-19 presents with diverse neurological manifestations, ranging from common symptoms to rare events like stroke.
• While direct impact on existing neurological conditions is not definitively proven, COVID-19 significantly disrupts neurological care delivery and medication availability worldwide.
• Neurologists must adapt by innovating care methods and advocating for public health measures to control the pandemic.