[NEUROLOGICAL COMPLICATIONS OF COVID-19: REVIEW OF LITERATURE AND OWN EXPERIENCE]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Immunology

Background:

• COVID-19 is associated with a wide range of neurological complications, affecting both the acute and post-acute phases.
• These complications include sensory disturbances, headaches, dizziness, and severe syndromes like encephalopathy and stroke.
• Long-term neurological issues encompass asthenic syndrome, vascular problems, and exacerbation of pre-existing neurological and psychiatric conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the neurological complications of COVID-19.
• To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of these neurological disorders.
• To outline recommended therapeutic strategies for managing post-COVID-19 neurological sequelae.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on COVID-19 neurological complications.
• Analysis of proposed pathogenetic mechanisms, including viral, hypoxic, and immune-mediated damage.
• Synthesis of current treatment approaches.

Main Results:

• Acute COVID-19 neurological complications stem from direct viral effects, hypoxia, and inflammation-induced immune responses, including autoantibodies.
• Post-acute neurological issues are linked to neuroinflammation, cytokine activation, autoantibodies, blood-brain barrier permeability, and organ dysfunction (mitochondrial, adrenal, thyroid).
• Reported post-COVID neurological conditions include cognitive decline, psychiatric condition exacerbation, autoimmune disease flares, and epilepsy.

Conclusions:

• Neurological complications of COVID-19 are diverse and multifactorial, involving direct viral impact, inflammation, and autoimmune processes.
• Effective management requires a comprehensive approach targeting neuroinflammation, mitochondrial function, hormonal balance, and circulatory issues.
• Therapeutic strategies include anti-inflammatory agents, mitochondrial support (e.g., hypoxic-hyperoxic therapy), detoxification, hormonal correction, vasoactive drugs, and symptomatic relief.