FOOT DROP FOLLOWING COVID-19 INFECTION. A CASE REPORT AND ITS OUTCOME

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Corona virus disease-19 (COVID-19) is one among the worst pandemics faced by mankind and there are various neurological manifestations either direct or indirect effect of Corona virus. Here we report a case of foot drop secondary to entrapment peroneal injury in COVID-19 patient as a sequelae of prone positioning. CASE REPORT: A 55-year-old gentleman was diagnosed with RT PCR positive COVID19 and was hospitalized for severe respiratory syndrome. HRCT thorax done showed CORADS score of 6 with severity index of 14/25. During this period, patient was on treatment according to ICMR guidelines and prone position for about 20 hours/day for 20 days for severe pneumonia. During follow up after 15 days of discharge, he had developed features of foot drop secondary to common peroneal nerve palsy which was later conrmed by electro diagnostic studies and nerve ultrasound. Patient was started on oral steroids and along with supportive measures. He is followed up for a period of 3 months and has noted 50% improvement in his symptoms. CONCLUSION: While prone positioning should continue to be utilized in COVID-19 pneumonia as dictated by the current literature, precaution has to be taken with it. Changing patient positioning at shorter intervals and timely mobilization are necessary.