Main neurological sequelae of COVID-19: an exploratory review

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to carry out an exploratory systematic review that allows us to demonstrate the current panorama of the different neurological sequelae caused by COVID-19 in patients. A literature search was performed through the PubMed, Scielo, Medline, Web of Science and Scopus databases. The bibliographic search was carried out in February 2022.60 articles were identified, 10 were duplicates and in the review phase 9 were excluded due to their methodological design;2 articles were discarded due to inconsistencies in the validity of the data collection instruments, therefore, 39 scientific studies were used to obtain data, analyze the results and were subjected to quality evaluation. 33 observational studies, 2 case studies, 3 review articles and 1 meta-analysis were included. Regarding methodological aspects, 92.4% are observational studies (descriptive or analytical or cut-off prevalence), only 3 of them (7.6%) are assumed to be prospective in the directionality of the design. The following neurological sequelae stand out fundamentally neurovascular syndrome, encephalopathies, migraines, anxiety, depression, olfactory and/or taste dysfunctions, sensory symptomatology, polyneuropathy and myopathy, neuralgia and facial paralysis, the physiopathogenesis of these neurological affections, are mainly associated with the syndrome of systemic inflammatory response resulting from infection with SARS-CoV-2. It is recommended to continue with research aimed at the sequelae of COVID-19, to guide treatment and avoid serious complications from this disease.