신경계 질환에 대한 COVID-19 범유행의 영향 : 신경재활을 위한 제언

Abstract

A coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Currently, the rapid spread of COVID-19 is one of the world’s most important health issues, having threatened the general health of people worldwide. Advanced age and comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular and respiratory disorders, and obesity are risk factors for the occurrence of critical illness and increased mortality. Although neurological symptoms and complications remain minor, they last a long time, resulting from the direct invasion of the virus into the central nervous system and systemic effects of the viral infection. For these reasons, patients with neurological impairment are more vulnerable to serious conditions caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, for people with mild respiratory infections or those who are asymptomatic, it is not easy to find clear evidence of a relationship between COVID-19 and neurological disorders. Therefore, research and clinical practice should highlight the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on neurological conditions in order to provide management guidelines and rehabilitation services in an effective way. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, social distancing has been imposed, restricting social activity and participation and facilitating individual isolation from societal groups, both of which had negative impacts on rehabilitation of neurologic disorders. It is important to develop efficient solutions for unwanted problems in the COVID pandemic. Tele-rehabilitation is considered to have some benefits in overcoming its detrimental effects. Accordingly, this study aimed to demonstrate the clinical course and pathogenesis of the SARS-CoV-2 infection, to summarize the impact of COVID-19 on neurologic disorders, and finally to provide suggestions for effective management.