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COVID-19 and seizures: Is there a link?
Divya Vohora1, Shreshta Jain1, Manjari Tripathi2
1Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India.
Epilepsia
|September 18, 2020
Summary
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic may increase seizure risk in some patients, particularly those with severe COVID-19. Early neurological symptoms like seizures should be considered in COVID-19 patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic presents challenges for managing chronic diseases.
- Concerns exist regarding SARS-CoV-2 neuroinvasiveness and its potential to trigger seizures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and seizure risk.
- To discuss pathophysiological mechanisms underlying seizures in COVID-19 patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on SARS-CoV-2 and seizures.
- Discussion of theoretical risks and reported cases.
- Analysis of pathophysiological mechanisms of ictogenesis in COVID-19.
Main Results:
- No definitive evidence shows SARS-CoV-2 worsens epilepsy, but fever can trigger seizures.
- Severe COVID-19 can lead to hypoxic encephalopathy, stroke, and cytokine storm, potentially causing acute seizures.
- Occasional seizures reported in COVID-19 patients, suggesting a possible, though seemingly low, risk.
Conclusions:
- While the risk appears low, seizures as an early neurological manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 infection should not be disregarded.
- Understanding the mechanisms of ictogenesis in COVID-19 is crucial for patient management.
- Further research is needed to clarify the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and seizure disorders.
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