Neurological Manifestations of COVID-19 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2)

Abstract

Coronaviruses including the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are known to affect primarily the respiratory system with additional manifestations on the enteric, hepatic, and cardiac systems as well. Neurological manifestations are increasingly being reported from all over the world though only as case reports and short case series. Neurological manifestations are not uncommon and may be seen in up to a third of patients with COVID-19 infection and may range from minor symptoms of headache, dizziness, anosmia, and ageusia to severe neurological illnesses including encephalitis, acute necrotizing hemorrhagic encephalitis, stroke, myelitis, and Guillain–Barre syndrome. Neurological symptoms may occasionally be the presenting or sole manifestation of COVID-19 infection, and a high index of suspicion is required while dealing with such cases during the COVID-19 pandemic. A Medline search was made till June 20, 2020 using the keywords SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, and Neurological Manifestations for the review.