Neurological manifestations of COVID-19 in a five-year-old child

ABSTRACT

A new coronavirus infection (COVID-19, Corona Virus Disease 2019) is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, presenting as both a mild acute respiratory viral infection and a severe form, with damage to various organs and systems. In children under 16 years of age infected with SARS-CoV-2, the vast majority of cases were mild, without marked neurological manifestations. This paper describes a case of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis in a five-year-old child associated with SARS-CoV-2, which caused difficulties in the differential diagnosis with demyelinating diseases and hereditary pathology. The disease was diagnosed in a family where both parents were diagnosed with COVID-19 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The CNS lesion was represented by severe central hemiparesis, involvement of some cranial nerves, with impaired pelvic organ function. During the treatment there was a positive dynamics in the somatic and neurological status. The patient was discharged for outpatient treatment with satisfactory rehabilitation potential. SARS-CoV-2 lesions of the nervous system in children can lead to life-threatening and fatal conditions. Timely diagnosis and a comprehensive approach to the management of a child with encephalomyelitis made it possible to avoid adverse effects of the disease and improve the rehabilitation prognosis. Copyright © 2022 National Academy of Pediatric Science and Innovation. All rights reserved.