Emerging Neurology of COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Virology

Background:

• Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes COVID-19, primarily a respiratory illness.
• Neurological complications associated with COVID-19 are increasingly recognized.
• These complications range from mild symptoms like headache and anosmia to severe conditions such as encephalopathy, seizures, and stroke.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the emerging literature on neurological manifestations in COVID-19 patients.
• To discuss potential pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these neurological complications.
• To consider the impact of pre-existing neurological conditions on COVID-19 severity.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of emerging studies on COVID-19 and neurological complications.
• Inclusion of anecdotal clinical experience.
• Analysis of proposed pathophysiological pathways.

Main Results:

• COVID-19 presents with a spectrum of neurological symptoms, including direct central nervous system involvement like meningoencephalitis.
• Patients with chronic neurological conditions may experience more severe COVID-19 outcomes.
• Various mechanisms are proposed to explain SARS-CoV-2's neurological effects.

Conclusions:

• Neurological manifestations are a significant aspect of COVID-19.
• Further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and the nervous system.
• Understanding these connections is crucial for managing COVID-19 patients, especially those with neurological comorbidities.