Coronaviruses and Central Nervous System Manifestations

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Virology

Background:

• The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has caused significant global morbidity and mortality.
• While primarily known for respiratory symptoms, COVID-19 increasingly shows central nervous system (CNS) involvement.
• Coronaviruses have demonstrated neurotropic potential in prior animal studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the existing literature on CNS involvement in coronavirus infections.
• To specifically examine the neurological manifestations associated with SARS-CoV-2.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on coronavirus and CNS infections.
• Analysis of reported neurological symptoms in COVID-19 patients.
• Examination of evidence for neurotropism in coronaviruses.

Main Results:

• COVID-19 presents with various CNS symptoms, including headache, anosmia, meningoencephalitis, and stroke.
• Altered mental status and post/para-infectious syndromes are observed in COVID-19 patients.
• Neurotropism is a known characteristic of coronaviruses, explaining CNS manifestations.

Conclusions:

• SARS-CoV-2 infections can extend beyond the respiratory system to affect the CNS.
• Understanding the neurotropic nature of coronaviruses is crucial for managing COVID-19.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms of CNS involvement in SARS-CoV-2.