Neurological Aspects of Coronavirus Infectious Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Background. Coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread rapidly around the world and has been declared a pandemic by World Health Organization. Neurological manifestations are being reported in patients with COVID-19 but clinical guidelines and effective treatments remain unclear. Objective: In this brief review, the authors examine the latest available evidence to date regarding the neurological implications of COVID-19 and how the novel coronavirus might possibly impact patients with pre-existing neurological conditions. COVID-19-specific recommendations from the American Academy of Neurology and and other neurologic disease-specific organizations are summarized. Results: Current retrospective case series and cohort studies from Wuhan, China, are indicating that almost one-third of the patients with COVID-19 have shown neurological manifestations; older age and comorbid conditions are associated worsened outcomes. Abnormal laboratory findings are being reported in acute cases of patients with COVID-19. Summary: Understanding the spectrum of neurological manifestations of COVID-19 and the impact of COVID-19 on patients with underlying neurological conditions might help to improve outcomes.