COVID-19: dealing with a potential risk factor for chronic neurological disorders

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Immunology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, primarily leads to severe pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome.
• Acute and subacute neurological manifestations, including encephalitis and stroke, are increasingly reported in COVID-19 patients.
• SARS-CoV-2 infection can elicit an immunopathological response and neuroinflammation, potentially triggering chronic neurological conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review clinical evidence linking SARS-CoV-2 infection to neurological disorders.
• To explore the hypothetical pathogenic mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 may initiate neurodegenerative diseases.
• To suggest the utility of SARS-CoV-2 serology in diagnosing neurological disorders.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of existing clinical evidence and research.
• Analysis of pathogenic mechanisms in neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and narcolepsy.
• Hypothetical modeling of SARS-CoV-2's role in initiating these conditions.

Main Results:

• Clinical evidence suggests a potential link between SARS-CoV-2 infection and the onset or exacerbation of neurological disorders.
• Pathogenic mechanisms of Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and narcolepsy may be initiated by SARS-CoV-2 in susceptible individuals.
• Systemic inflammation and direct viral effects are proposed mechanisms.

Conclusions:

• SARS-CoV-2 infection is a potential risk factor for developing chronic autoimmune and neurodegenerative disorders.
• Further research is warranted to establish a causal relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and neurological diseases.
• Implementing SARS-CoV-2 serology in the diagnostic workup for certain neurological disorders may be beneficial.