Neuromuscular Problems in the Patients With COVID-19: A Review Study

Abstract

Purpose: SARS-CoV-2 is a member of the betacoronavirus genus that primarily targets the human respiratory system and causes pneumonia-like symptoms. This article aims to review neuromuscular problems in patients with COVID-19 based on the available evidence and possible consequences. Methods: This narrative review study gathered the related and newest studies published (without time limitation) about the neurological impairment of the coronavirus. Results: The studies showed that the patients with COVID-19 show a variety of respiratory symptoms and neuromuscular and neurological symptoms. The neurological symptoms associated with the underlying disease include headache, dizziness, disturbance of consciousness, ataxia, manifestations of epilepsy, stroke, peripheral nerve injury (like hypoadomia, hyposemia, neuralgia). The findings of this review study also reveal that there are a variety of neuromuscular symptoms in the affected patients. Besides, some specific changes in these symptoms have occurred since the emergence of this epidemic. Conclusion: Neurologists should pay more attention to the possible signs of direct and indirect involvement of the nervous system and its lasting effects, which might have been ignored in the acute phase of the disease.