Post-COVID-19 Syndrome in Neurology Patients: A Single Center Experience

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Neurological complications following COVID-19 infection (SARS-CoV-2) are increasingly recognized.
• Understanding the frequency, characteristics, and management of these post-COVID-19 neurological syndromes is crucial for patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence and clinical features of neurological post-COVID-19 syndrome.
• To evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic strategies employed for affected patients.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from 227 patients diagnosed with neurological symptoms post-COVID-19.
• Inclusion criteria: confirmed COVID-19 and associated neurological symptoms; exclusion: non-neurological symptoms or symptoms post-vaccination.
• Data collection period: May 2021 to June 2022.

Main Results:

• Headache, cognitive impairment, loss of smell, paresthesia, fatigue, dizziness, and insomnia were the most frequent symptoms, often presenting as multiple complaints.
• Diagnostic workup included consultations, neuroradiological imaging, and electroencephalography (EEG).
• Therapy was predominantly symptomatic; 53.21% of patients showed no symptom change, while 44.95% experienced a positive outcome.

Conclusions:

• Neurological post-COVID-19 syndrome is prevalent, with headache and cognitive impairment being the most common manifestations.
• The syndrome appears more common in women, warranting further investigation into gender-specific symptom distribution.
• Longitudinal studies are needed to fully comprehend the disease's progression and long-term dynamics.