Neurological update: COVID-19

Authors
Ren, A. L. 
Digby, R. J. 

Change log
Abstract

Abstract: Coronavirus Disease 2019 is predominantly a disorder of the respiratory system, but neurological complications have been recognised since early in the pandemic. The major pathophysiological processes leading to neurological damage in COVID-19 are cerebrovascular disease, immunologically mediated neurological disorders and the detrimental effects of critical illness on the nervous system. It is still unclear whether direct invasion of the nervous system by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 occurs; given the vast numbers of people infected at this point, this uncertainty suggests that nervous system infection is unlikely to represent a significant issue if it occurs at all. In this review, we explore what has been learnt about the neurological complications of COVID-19 over the course of the pandemic, and by which mechanisms these complications most commonly occur.

Publication Date
2021-04-30
Online Publication Date
Acceptance Date
2021-04-24
Keywords
Neurological Update, COVID-19, Neuroimmunology, Cerebrovascular disease, Critical illness
Journal Title
Journal of Neurology
Journal ISSN
0340-5354
1432-1459
Volume Title
268
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg