Neurological manifestations of COVID-19

J Pak Med Assoc. 2020 May;70(Suppl 3)(5):S101-S103. doi: 10.5455/JPMA.20.

Abstract

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2) has turned out to be a formidable pandemic. Upcoming evidence from confirmed cases of COVID-19 suggests an anticipated incursion of patients with neurological manifestations in the weeks to come. An expression of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE 2), the cellular receptor for SARS-CoV-2 over the glial cells and neurons have made the brain a potential target. Neurotoxicity may occur as a result of direct, indirect and post-infectious complications. Attention to neurological deficits in COVID-19 is fundamental to ensure appropriate, timely, beneficial management of the affected patients. Most common neurological manifestations seen include dizziness, headache, impaired consciousness, acute cerebrovascular disease, ataxia, and seizures. Anosmia and ageusia have recently been hinted as significant early symptoms in COVID-19. As cases with neurological deficits in COVID-19 emerge, the overall prognosis is yet unknown.

Keywords: Coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, ACE 2, Neurotoxicity, Brain, Seizures..

MeSH terms

  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2
  • Ataxia / virology
  • Betacoronavirus*
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections* / complications
  • Coronavirus Infections* / diagnosis
  • Coronavirus Infections* / physiopathology
  • Headache / virology*
  • Humans
  • Myalgia / virology
  • Pandemics*
  • Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A
  • Pneumonia, Viral* / complications
  • Pneumonia, Viral* / diagnosis
  • Pneumonia, Viral* / physiopathology
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Seizures / virology
  • Sensation Disorders / virology*

Substances

  • Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A
  • ACE2 protein, human
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2