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According to studies, half of the patients hospitalized for COVID-19 experience neurological symptoms such as dizziness, loss of smell and taste, strokes, and weakness. This supports theories that SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection affects the entire body.
COVID-19 damages the nervous system
A new research review published in the Annals of Neurology shows that approx. 50 percent. people hospitalized due to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus develop neurological symptoms – dizziness, difficulty concentrating, loss of smell and taste, strokes and weakness.
Previous studies have already shown that COVID-19 is not ‘just’ a respiratory disease, but affects the entire body and poses a ‘global threat’ to the nervous system – the brain, spinal cord and nerves.
“It is important for both the public and physicians to realize that SARS-CoV-2 infection may initially manifest itself with nervous system problems before there is fever, cough or breathing problems,” explains Igor Koralnik, professor of neurology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and lead author of the study.
See also: Polish scientists discovered the cause of loss of smell in the course of COVID-19
Scientists believe that coronavirus infection can affect the nervous system. As the virus multiplies in the cells of the lungs, hypoxia occurs, which can damage the brain and, in extreme cases, lead to strokes.
SARS-CoV-2 can also multiply directly in brain cells, and the immune system’s response can cause inflammation that damages the brain and nerves.
Some patients pass the infection asymptomatically, without even knowing it. If you think you are in this group and want to make sure you might be sick, you can have a COVID-19 antibody test. Check out the offer:
Earlier studies suggested that as much as 65 percent. COVID-19 patients experience symptoms such as hallucinations, irritability and confusion. Hospitalized patients may also experience panic states and anxiety attacks.
Researchers also point out that any life-threatening disease that is associated with a stay in the intensive care unit can lead to cognitive complications due to limited oxygen supply, sedatives, being in a specific environment and away from the family.
All of this has an impact on mental health. Scientists do not yet know how long the neurological symptoms last and what damage they cause, so they want to continue their research.
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