Neurologic Manifestations of COVID-19 in Children: Emerging Pathophysiologic Insights.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected mortality and morbidity across all ages, including children. Neurologic manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019, ranging from headaches to cerebrovascular stroke, may involve the CNS or peripheral nervous system. Neurologic involvement is also noted in the multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, a pediatric condition that occurs weeks after infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Knowledge about mechanisms of neurologic disease and immunologic response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is scarce but rapidly growing. Here, we concisely review experimental and clinical data relevant to pathophysiologic hypotheses regarding neurologic manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019. We highlight important knowledge gaps in differences between adults and children in their response to coronavirus disease 2019.