Several studies and reports suggest that COVID-19 patients suffer from neurological complications or temporary brain dysfunction ranging from loss of smell to stroke.
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There are still many things that remain a mystery about COVID-19 and how many organs it affects. There are many reports of the effect of the virus on the heart, lungs and respiratory systemsBut there is increasing evidence that it also affects the brain.
A study published in Jama Neurology in April reveals that more than a third of about 214 COVID-19 patients suffered from neurological complications ranging from loss of smell to stroke. The patients also experienced cerebrovascular events, consciousness problems, and muscle injuries.
In another study from University College London, published this month, the study reveals that 10 of 43 experienced temporary brain dysfunction and delirium, 12 suffered from brain inflammation, eight suffered strokes, and 12 suffered nerve damage.
The Lancet Psychiatry also published a study last month looking at 153 patients with COVID-19 in the UK. The study found that COVID-19 patients age 60 and younger could have psychosis, depression, and stroke.
However, it remains unclear until now how the virus affects the brain and nerves. Additionally, two dedicated physicians are interested in studying the effects of COVID-19 on the nervous system. They also wanted answers to why this happened.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta, who has been a neurosurgeon for 20 years, said that a hard shell of bone, a bath of clear liquid, and a blood-brain barrier create checkpoints before certain molecules enter. However, he is surprised at how the virus can sneak into the central nervous system.
Dr. Minali Nigam, a newly-elected resident doctor who decided to enter neurology, said details such as the ability to raise an eyebrow could determine which part of the nervous system is injured. Dr. Nigam also added that there are so many things we don’t know about COVID-19’s impact on the brain.
According to a study published in CNN News, among the most common neurological symptoms are loss of smell and taste, which could be the first symptoms of those who tested positive for the new coronavirus. Other symptoms include headache, dizziness, loss of consciousness, weakness, seizures, paralysis, strokes, and more.
Furthermore, neurological complications are not distinct and exclusive to COVID-19. This complication was also seen in those who have the flu, measles, respiratory syncytial virus, and zika. That also includes other types of coronaviruses like SARS and MERS.
Dr. Felicia Chow is an expert in neuroinfectious diseases at the University of California, San Francisco. She said, “Neurologic involvement seems to be a prominent feature of this particular coronavirus,” adding that the increase in COVID-19 patients who are experiencing brain problems is also due to the increase in patients who tested positive for the virus.
A comprehensive study of the COVID-19 related neurological problem is still required to determine if there is a correlation between having COVID-19 and brain problems.
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