2020 issue 4

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Volume 36, issue 4

Review article

Neurological symptoms of COVID-19

Adriana Wawer1, Agnieszka Piechal1,2
1. Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology CePT, Medical University of Warsaw
2. 2nd Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology in Warsaw
Farmakoterapia w Psychiatrii i Neurologii 2020, 36 (4), 285–296
Date of publication: 08-02-2021
DOI: https://doi.org/10.33450/fpn.2020.11.001
Keywords: COVID-19, pandemic, SARS-CoV-2, coronaviruses infection

Abstract

Objective. Some viral infections can have a harmful effect on the functioning of the nervous system and can even cause serious neurological damage. This work aims to review the results of studies published so far concerning neurological complications in people infected with coronaviruses, especially SARS-CoV-2, and possible mechanisms responsible for nervous system damage.

Literature review. Recently, there have been reports that coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), cause acute respiratory disease, exhibit neurotropic properties and can also cause neurological symptoms. There are studies published showing that these viruses may penetrate to the brain and cerebrospinal fluid.

Conclusions. Coronaviruses are still poorly understood, so it seems important to study the potential impact of SARS-CoV-2 infections on the nervous system. It seems appropriate that patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 should be early evaluated for neurological symptoms, including headache and impaired consciousness.

Address for correspondence:
dr Adriana Wawer
Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology
Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology CePT
Medical University of Warsaw
1B Banacha Str., 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
email: awawer@wum.edu.pl