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Cranial nerve involvement in COVID-19
Ahmet Doblan1, Mehmet Erkan Kaplama1, Semih Ak1
1SBÜ Mehmet Akif Inan Training and Research Hospital, Otorhinolaryngology, Sanlıurfa, Turkey.
COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) frequently causes cranial nerve symptoms, impacting sensory functions more than motor ones. This suggests SARS-CoV-2 has a more aggressive neuroinvasion compared to previous coronaviruses.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, emerged in late 2019, rapidly becoming a global pandemic.
- The first case in Turkey was reported on March 11, 2020.
- Previous coronavirus outbreaks (SARS, MERS) have shown neurological implications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of COVID-19 on cranial nerves.
- To monitor patients with confirmed COVID-19 through repeated examinations and surveys.
Main Methods:
- Prospective evaluation of 356 patients with positive COVID-19 PCR tests.
- Data collected from June to August 2020.
- Exclusion of 47 pediatric patients and 7 deceased patients, leaving 302 for analysis.
Main Results:
- Cranial nerve involvement symptoms were observed in 135 out of 302 analyzed patients (44.7%).
- Sensory functions were more frequently affected than motor functions.
- The incidence and severity of cranial nerve symptoms in COVID-19 appear higher than in SARS and MERS.
Conclusions:
- COVID-19 commonly leads to cranial nerve symptoms.
- The virus exhibits significant neurotrophic properties and aggressive neuroinvasion.
- The impact on sensory functions is notable, while motor deficits are less common.
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