COVID-19 Pandemic: A Neurological Perspective

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Virology

Background:

• Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) primarily affects the respiratory system.
• However, neurological involvements have been increasingly reported in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and delineate the spectrum of neurological disorders associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• To categorize neurological involvement in COVID-19 into viral infection manifestations, post-infective complications, and co-morbidities.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of original articles, case reports, and open-source datasets.
• Analysis of reported neurological manifestations in SARS-CoV-2 positive cases.

Main Results:

• Neurological manifestations include central nervous system symptoms (headache, dizziness, encephalitis, stroke, seizures) and peripheral nervous system symptoms (muscle injury, hyposmia, hypogeusia).
• Post-infective complications such as demyelinating conditions were observed.
• Neurological co-morbidities like dementia and reduced mobility can increase susceptibility to viral infection.

Conclusions:

• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) presents unique challenges for neurologists.
• SARS-CoV-2 can manifest with diverse neurological symptoms, sometimes preceding respiratory symptoms.
• Understanding these neurological aspects is crucial for comprehensive patient management.