[COVID-19 with strange hallucinations and focal EEG abnormalities: Two case reports]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Extensive research exists on COVID-19 neurological complications, primarily focusing on severe cases.
• Limited data is available on mild central nervous system (CNS) manifestations in patients with less severe respiratory symptoms.

Observation:

• Two middle-aged female patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection presented with mild upper respiratory and CNS symptoms.
• Both patients reported vivid visual and auditory hallucinations, including a distinct talking human-shaped figure.

Findings:

• This article discusses five similar cases, highlighting common features of hallucinations in COVID-19 patients.
• Cranial MRI scans were normal, but EEG revealed focal abnormalities correlating with hallucination locations.

Implications:

• Minor CNS symptoms, including hallucinations, can occur in COVID-19 even with mild or absent respiratory symptoms.
• EEG is crucial for the differential diagnosis of neurological symptoms in COVID-19 patients.
• Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind COVID-19-associated hallucinations.