Otoneurological presentations of COVID-19

BMJ Case Rep. 2021 Sep 13;14(9):e241893. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2021-241893.

Abstract

COVID-19 usually begins with respiratory symptoms but may also cause neurological disturbances by direct (viral invasion) or indirect (immune-mediated) mechanism. Common neurological injury described in the literature include infectious toxic encephalopathy, viral encephalitis and Guillain-Barré syndrome. We present two cases diagnosed with COVID-19 who presented with isolated neurological deficit along facial nerve and vestibular nerve. Both recovered with medical management and rehabilitative exercises. Isolated neurological impairment in otorhinolaryngological practice may be the primary presentation or delayed feature of COVID-19.

Keywords: COVID-19; cranial nerves; otolaryngology / ENT.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome* / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • SARS-CoV-2