[Postcovid syndrome - a new reality]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Neuroscience

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted potential long-term neurological consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• Cognitive functioning is a key area of concern for individuals recovering from COVID-19.
• Understanding the mechanisms of nervous system damage is critical for patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on direct and indirect mechanisms of nervous system damage caused by SARS-CoV-2.
• To describe the causality of neurological symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• To inform strategies for preventing or mitigating brain damage and assess long-term risks, including dementia.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on COVID-19 and neurological effects.
• Analysis of proposed direct and indirect pathways of nervous system involvement.
• Synthesis of current understanding of pathogenesis and clinical manifestations.

Main Results:

• SARS-CoV-2 infection can lead to nervous system damage through various direct and indirect mechanisms.
• Neurological symptoms observed post-infection share causal links with the virus.
• The prevalence of covert neurological disturbances may be underestimated.

Conclusions:

• There is an urgent need for research into the pathogenesis of COVID-19-related neurological disturbances.
• Neuropsychiatric monitoring of COVID-19 patients is essential for assessing long-term consequences.
• Early intervention is critical for improving the quality of life for COVID-19 survivors experiencing neurological issues.