Neurological disorders in COVID-19: a case of Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis in an adult patient.

Different neurological complications associated with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection have been widely documented. Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a rare immune-mediated demyelinating disorder, described within the spectrum of neurological manifestations of COVID-19. Herein, we describe a case of adult-ADEM presenting with diplopia and slowly progressive ataxia developed one month after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed acute multifocal demyelinating lesions throughout the brain. Other possible etiologies have been ruled out. After treatment with high-dose steroids, we observed a progressive clinical and radiological improvement. A 4-months follow-up showed complete clinical recovery. Although extremely rare, ADEM could be associated to SARS-CoV-2 infection and should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Early recognition of this COVID-19 neurological complication, even in the absence of pulmonary involvement, is important to start a prompt immune-modulatory treatment and, consequently, ensure a good outcome.

Recurrent Status Epilepticus and SARS-CoV-2 infection: the "perfect storm".

Respiratory involvement is the most common clinical manifestation of COVID-19, but neurological symptoms and complications are increasingly being recognized. Seizures and status epilepticus (SE) have been described as possible consequences of hypoxia and metabolic derangements during SARS-CoV-2 infection, direct viral invasion of the central nervous system, or as para or post-infectious complications. Single episodes of SE have been described, occurring during the acute phase of COVID-19 or once the patients have been recovered. Herein, we present the case of a patient with a positive serology test for SARS-CoV-2 (IgG+, IgM-) and recurrent SE occurring within 36 days. Diagnostic work-up ruled out other known causes of SE. A post-COVID-19 infectious inflammatory/immune response is hypothesized as the possible trigger of SE.

Insights into neurological dysfunction of critically ill COVID-19 patients

Novel coronavirus spread rapidly around the world infecting millions of people. It was thus declared a pandemic. This new virus damages the lungs. In the most severe cases, it leads to acute respiratory failure that requires intensive care treatment. However, many clinical reports have listed different neurological symptoms, leading to increased interest in the neurological involvement of COVID-19. Various pathophysiological mechanisms have been proposed to explain these neurological aspects. Direct viral invasion of the nervous system, systemic cytokine storm and severe hypoxemia are key factors in the development of symptoms. Critically ill patients present several additional risk factors for nervous system damage. Reasons for these include deep sedation and extended muscular paralysis, bed rest for several days, and the inability to receive proper physical rehabilitation. After ICU treatment, COVID-19 patients generally require an extensive rehabilitation program. However, distancing restrictions mean that in many cases physiotherapists are unable to enter ICUs, delaying the process of rehabilitation. The role of telemedicine should be considered as an adjunctive tool in the rehabilitation of critically ill COVID-19 patients.