Neurologic manifestations associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection: A neuro-review of COVID-19

Abstract

Background. In December 2019, multiple cases of pneumonia of unknown etiology surged in China. In January 2020, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was the identified cause. The World Health Organization (WHO) defined the condition as "Coronavirus 2019 Disease" (COVID-19). In February, its presence was confirmed in South America and Ecuador. On March 11th, the WHO declared COVID-19 as a pandemic. This condition mainly afflicts the respiratory system. However, reports of neurological manifestations in confirmed COVID-19 p atients have recently emerged. Methods. Multiple databases were reviewed, the information was extracte d and analyzed independently by 3 authors. Results. Neurological manifestations associated with COVID-19 were identified. Including: myalgia, headache, altered mental status, cerebrovascular events, dizziness, hypogeusia, hyposmia, neuropathic pain, visual impairment, ataxia, seizures, Central Hypoventilation Syndrome, encephalopathy, rhabdomyolysis, Acute Hemorrhagic Necrotizing Encephalopathy, Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS), meningitis and encephalitis.Conclusion. COVID-19 is associated with neurological involvement. It is most frequently observed in cases that are severe, atypical, and with comorbidities. Health care providers and neurologists alike, must remain alert and keep high suspicion of severity when these manifestations are present. Timely recognition might help initiate early treatment and isolation, preventing clinical decline and viral spread.