Electrodiagnostic Findings in Covid patients: A single center experience

ABSTRACT

Objective: Our study objective is to evaluate the electromyography and nerve conduction study (EMG/NCS) findings among COVID-19 patients and look for possible correlations. Background: Neurological manifestations in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been reported from early features of anosmia and dysgeusia to widespread involvement of the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, as well as the neuromuscular junction and muscle. Design/Methods: This is a hospital-based retrospective observational study. All COVID-19 patients between the period of 1st January 2020 to 31st December 2020 undergoing an EMG/NCS were included. Results: Eighteen patients (12 male and 6 female) were included. The mean age was 55 ±12 years. 11 patients required intubation for a mean period of 18.6 days (range 3-37 days). Electrodiagnostic findings were consistent with a myopathy in a majority of these patients (82%). Five of them also had a concurrent axonal neuropathy. In the remaining patients who did not require intubation (n=7), three patients had myopathic EMG changes and one had Guillain Barre syndrome. Conclusions: Myopathic EMG changes are commonly seen in critically ill COVID-19 patients, especially with a prolonged hospital stay. At this time, there are no neuromuscular-specific recommendations for patients who contract COVID-19. Only time and additional data will unveil the varying nature and potential neurological sequelae of COVID-19.