De Novo Movement Disorders and COVID-19: Exploring the Interface

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Neurological complications of SARS-CoV-2 are increasingly documented.
• Movement disorders in COVID-19 patients remain under-reported.
• This study focuses on de novo movement disorders associated with COVID-19.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and summarize existing literature on de novo movement disorders in COVID-19 patients.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted using PRISMA guidelines.
• Databases searched included PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus up to January 29, 2021.
• Twenty-two articles reporting 52 patients with de novo movement disorders were included for qualitative synthesis.

Main Results:

• The most common movement disorders were myoclonus, ataxia, and tremor.
• Three patients presented with parkinsonism and one with a functional disorder.
• Treatments like intravenous immunoglobulin and steroids were generally successful.
• Potential mechanisms include immune-mediated processes, direct viral invasion, and metabolic/toxic effects.

Conclusions:

• De novo movement disorders are infrequently reported in COVID-19.
• The precise relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and movement disorders requires further investigation.
• Continued monitoring of COVID-19 survivors for potential post-infectious movement disorders is recommended.