Impact of COVID-19 on Peripheral Nervous System Disorders

ABSTRACT

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of peripheral nervous system disorders among COVID-19 survivors. Study Design: Cross-sectional Survey Place and Duration of Study This study was conducted at the Department of Rehabilitation and Allied Health Sciences, Riphah International University Lahore Campus from December, 2020 to June, 2021 for a period of 06 months. Materials and Methods: 144 patients recovered from Covid-19 through non probability convenience sampling were recruited for study. Patients were assessed for pain, smell, taste, balance and two-point discrimination and the ability to identify familiar objects. The data was collected according to the responses after patients approved to provide information. Data was coded in SPSS data sheet which was later analyzed for statistical frequencies and percentages. Results: Mean age of patients was reported to be 34.5 ± 6.9 years. The mean score patients marked on the VAS scale for their pain was reported to be 4.96 with a standard deviation of 1.77. 42.4% of the 144 patients had complaints of symptoms associated to peripheral nerve involvements thus making a prevalence of 42.4%. Out of 144 patients in total, 39 i.e. 27.1% reported to have a total loss of smell i.e. Anosmia, 42 patients i.e. 29.2% sensed the smell accurately, 45 i.e. 31.3% had a reduced sense of smell whereas 18 patients i.e. 12.5% had an increased sensitivity to the different smells they were asked to sense. 47 patients i.e. 32.6% had ageusia i.e. a total loss of taste they were offered. 36 i.e. 25% had normal taste and accurately comprehended the different flavors they were offered, 41 i.e. 28.5% had reduced taste sense i.e. hypoeusia and responded that they could taste but the intensity was lesser than normal. Conclusion: Majority of the patients had peripheral nerve symptoms, a loss of smell, taste and impaired balance after recovery. © 2021 Medical Forum Monthly. All rights reserved.