Neurological manifestations of COVID-19

ABSTRACT

Objective: To report neurological manifestations in patients with COVID-19Background: Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, data on neurologic manifestations of the novel virus was scarce. Over time, increasing evidence has emerged that COVID-19 affects the nervous system both centrally and peripherally although the exact prevalence and mechanism of action remain unknown. A few large-scale case series in the literature, most originating from China with one recent series from the United States, have evaluated neurologic complications in this patient population. Our case series of 100 COVID-19 patients aims to determine neurological manifestations along with their prevalence and potential risk factors. Our case series will be among one of the largest in the United States. We present an initial subgroup of 10 patients in this abstract. Design/Methods: Chart review of 100 COVID-19 patients at a tertiary care center in Houston, Texas along with literature review was performed. Results: Neurologic manifestations among this subgroup of patients included encephalopathy (5), headaches (2), bilateral internal carotid dissection (1), ischemic stroke (3), intracranial hemorrhage (1), cerebral microhemorrhages (1), status epilepticus (1), acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (1), and brachial plexopathy (1). Conclusions: We have documented both common and rare neurologic presentations associated with COVID-19. A review of the entire cohort of 100 patients will be subsequently performed with regards to the spectrum of symptoms, their prevalence, and potential risk factors. With the continuation of the pandemic and high infection rate, knowledge of associated neurologic manifestations will aid not only in early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of newly diagnosed but also management of post-COVID-19 patients.