Neurological and Psychiatric Manifestations of Post-COVID-19 Conditions

Abstract

Background: We aimed to investigate the factors associated with neurological manifestations of post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) conditions.

Methods: We retrospectively collected data from 440 patients who visited our post-COVID-19 clinic more than 4 weeks after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. We analyzed the prevalence of different neurological symptoms (brain fog, memory impairment, headache, and dizziness) and assessed the associated factors.

Results: Brain fog was the most common symptom, observed in 170 patients (38.6%), followed by headaches (n = 137, 31.1%), dizziness (n = 128, 29%), and memory impairment (n = 104, 23.6%). Brain fog was associated with hyposmia or hypogeusia (odds ratio [OR], 2.54; P < 0.001), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) (OR, 1.06; P < 0.001), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety (OR, 1.09; P = 0.037). Memory impairment was associated with sleep problems (OR, 2.83; P < 0.001), FSS (OR, 1.05; P < 0.001), and age (OR, 1.02; P = 0.015). Headache was associated with sleep problems (OR, 2.28; P = 0.001), sex (OR, 1.68; P = 0.042), and FSS (OR, 1.04; P < 0.001). Dizziness was associated with sleep problems (OR, 2.88; P < 0.001), and FSS (OR, 1.04; P < 0.001). The incidence of brain fog (P < 0.001), memory impairment (P < 0.001), dizziness (P = 0.007), and headache (P = 0.045) accompanied by hyposmia and hypogeusia was higher in patients with the aforementioned symptoms than in those without.

Conclusion: This study suggests that there is a relationship between neurological symptoms and other clinical factors, such as fatigue, depression, anxiety, hyposmia, and hypogeusia.

Keywords: Brain Fog; Dizziness; Headache; Memory Impairment; Post-COVID-19 Condition.