Axonal polineuropathy associated with Sars-CoV 2 infection: a case report

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic presents significant global health challenges.
• Neurological manifestations of COVID-19 affecting central and peripheral nervous systems are increasingly reported.
• Severe cases, particularly those involving respiratory failure, may lead to long-term neurological sequelae.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a case of severe COVID-19 with subsequent peripheral neuropathy.
• To detail the neurophysiological findings and rehabilitation process for a patient with COVID-19-related neuropathy.
• To highlight the challenges and outcomes of rehabilitation for neurological complications of COVID-19.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 44-year-old patient admitted to a rehabilitation unit post-intensive care for severe COVID-19.
• Neurophysiological investigations to assess nerve function.
• Comprehensive rehabilitation treatment including breathing and motor exercises.

Main Results:

• Neurophysiological findings revealed an axonal polyneuropathy affecting both sensory and motor components.
• The patient showed some improvement in sensory-motor abnormalities following rehabilitation.
• Complete distal recovery was not achieved; the patient requires assistive devices (two sticks and ankle-foot orthoses) for ambulation.

Conclusions:

• COVID-19 can result in significant peripheral neuropathy requiring extensive rehabilitation.
• While rehabilitation can lead to functional improvements, complete recovery from severe COVID-19-related neuropathy may be limited.
• Further exploration of COVID-19's neurological impact is crucial for understanding, prevention, and managing long-term sequelae.