Contents
Neurological symptoms, indicating that the nervous system is occupied by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, herald a more severe course of COVID-19 – said the head of the Department and Clinic of Neurology at the Medical University of Lublin, Prof. Konrad Rejdak. As he explained, these symptoms are more common in severe COVID-19 because they indicate that the virus has occupied the central nervous system – the brain and spinal cord.
- Disturbances in the state of consciousness, somnolence, headache, nausea, vomiting are common symptoms of COVID-19 infection.
- According to the neurologist prof. Konrad Rejdak, they may be a symptom of the severe course of the coronavirus
- They may also indicate the occurrence of a stroke, which affects about 6-7% of people. SARS-CoV-2 infected patients
- You can find more up-to-date information on the TvoiLokony home page
– During acute infection with SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, various disorders of the nervous system, including the brain, known as encephalopathy, may occur. These are, for example, disturbances in the state of consciousness, drowsiness, headaches, nausea, vomiting – told PAP neurologist Prof. Konrad Rejdak, head of the Department and Clinic of Neurology at the Medical University of Lublin. Convulsions, focal symptoms and unconsciousness may appear.
He noted that these neurological symptoms are much more common in the severe course of COVID-19, as they indicate that the virus has occupied the central nervous system – the brain and spinal cord.
Many patients also lose their sense of smell and taste. – Currently, with the British variant of the coronavirus, it is less often observed, but still 60-70 percent. patients may have these symptoms – explained the neurologist.
- What Happens to the Lungs After COVID-19? The doctors did not encounter such complications
Neurological symptoms may also be related to the occurrence of stroke, which in the acute phase of infection affects 6-7%. COVID-19 patients. In addition, many people, especially at a young age, experience delayed nervous system disorders even after a mild transition from COVID-19. These can be: prolonged loss of smell and taste, chronic fatigue and very severe cognitive disorders, referred to as “brain fog”, such as difficulty concentrating, thinking speed – explained prof. Rejdak.
He added that some patients describe such symptoms for many months after suffering the disease.
– There are also multiple pain syndromes related to the dysfunction of peripheral nerves. This is a serious problem. There are also autoimmune syndromes with damage to peripheral nerves, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, said the neurologist. As he explained, this syndrome is a consequence of the activation of the immune system as a result of the prior presence of the virus. It can be manifested by ascending paresis, starting from the lower limbs to the involvement of the cranial nerves. The most dangerous are disorders of the respiratory muscles.
- How many healthcare workers have died from COVID-19 since the outbreak started? Terrifying data
Prof. Rejdak explained that the invasion of the SARS-CoV-2 virus into the nervous system usually runs through the peripheral nerves – i.e. through the olfactory nerves, but also through the vagus nerve, which is the longest cranial nerve and innervates, among others. all organs of the chest. The virus can travel through this nerve into the central nervous system.
– It is known that even a small amount of a virus in the nervous system induces a very strong inflammatory response. This means that completely unpredictable reactions, including damage to the brain, can occur. Fortunately, this is not common, said the neurologist.
– There are currently discussions whether the virus can take a latent form (the dormant form of the virus, as in the case of the herpes virus – PAP) in the nervous system and whether it will induce other numerous symptoms while staying there – noted Prof. Rejdak.
Neurodegenerative syndromes after COVID-19
He added that experts are also considering the occurrence of neurodegenerative syndromes after suffering COVID-19. – It will be the subject of further observations carried out in a large population of people with a history of COVID-19. We will be examining their health in five, 10 or even 20 years – explained the neurologist.
The specialist noted that there are currently no recommendations for the treatment of neurological disorders in patients with COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 syndrome. – We use various methods of rehabilitation and vitamin preparations, in the hope that it will work – explained prof. Rejdak.
- How did COVID-19 affect the brain? Scientists were surprised by new research on convalescents
He emphasized that efforts are currently focused on preventing severe COVID-19. – Hence my research with amantadine, aimed at the very early stage of the disease, to block viral invasion at the earliest possible stage. My concept is based on the fact that since the drug is absorbed into the central nervous system, it has a chance to block this invasion – explained the expert.
He reminded that patients are currently being recruited for clinical trials on the effectiveness of amantadine in the prevention of severe COVID-19.
Author: Joanna Morga.
You may be interested in:
- Prof. Piotr Kuna: lockdown is evil, it will shorten our lives
- First: don’t lie. How and when to call an ambulance to a patient with COVID-19?
- Daily record of COVID-19 vaccination has been broken in the US. An impressive result
The content of the medTvoiLokony website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home.Now you can use e-consultation also free of charge under the National Health Fund.