Neurological disease in the time of COVID-19

A case series

Abstract

Introduction: We described the neurological complications of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and reviewed literature based on the findings.

Patients and methods: We conducted a retrospective, descriptive study of consecutive patients admitted to the neurology service from August 1 to December 31, 2020.

Results: We included 30 patients, 16 were men (53%), and mean age 65 ± 17,3. Overall, 16/30 (53%) patients developed neurologic symptoms prior to traditional viral symptoms associated with COVID-19. The neurological conditions recorded were stroke 43% (13), seizures 10% (3), posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome 10% (3), encephalopathy 7% (2), brief psychotic disorder 7% (2), myelopathy 3% (1), Guillain-Barré syndrome 3% (1), headache 3% (1), vasculitis 3% (1), intracerebral hemorrhage 3% (1), myasthenic crisis 3% (1) and optic neuritis 3% (1).

Conclusions: The neurological compromise of patients with SARS-CoV-2 is diverse and may be the first symptom even before the respiratory illness onset.