Neurological symptoms in COVID-19 patients

Our study aimed to investigate neurological symptoms in patients with COVID-19 and contribute to this area of limited knowledge.

Increasing evidence shows that neurotropism is a common feature of Coronaviruses (CoVs). Like the other CoVs, SARS-CoV 2 uses angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). The brain is thought to express ACE2 receptors detected on glial cells and neurons. There are also ACE2 receptors in skeletal muscles. Our study aimed to investigate neurological symptoms in patients with COVID-19 and contribute to this area of limited knowledge.

A total of 51 patients, presented to hospitalized in our hospital between March 23, 2020 and April 16, 2020 were included in the study. The diagnosis of all patients included in the study was made according to the WHO interim guideline. The patients were divided into two subgroups as mild and severe course according to the severity of the disease.

Neurological symptoms were detected in 16 (31.37 %) patients. Muscle injury was detected in 10 (19.61 %) patients. The most common neurological symptom was headache (n: 9, 17.65 %). When the frequency of all neurological symptoms was compared in those with severe and mild disease, no significant differences were found between the groups. When the frequency of muscular involvement was compared in patients with severe and mild course, no significant differences were found between the groups.

The nervous system and skeletal muscle system may be among viral targets. Detection of some neurological findings may be valuable in predicting the course of the disease. Some laboratory values can allow predicting disease severity and neurological symptoms (Tab. 5, Ref. 23) Keywords: COVID-19, neurotropism, muscle injury, headache.