Neurological manifestations and COVID-19

Abstract

Introduction. The new coronavirus, called COVID-19, is a betacoronavirus, associated with respiratory symptoms from mild to severe respiratory symptoms, which implies involvement of several target organs such as the pulmonary, renal, cardiovascular, nervous system, coagulation and is associated with various complications that worsen the prognosis. The target organ affected is determined by the expression of receptors for angiotensin II that are also expressed in nervous tissue, which are expressed in vital structures involved in cardiorespiratory control but also in nervous tissue. This is how, in studies published around the world, neurological manifestations have been identified, which are associated, although still under study, with direct involvement of the nervous structures or systemic complications.
Objectives: to summarize the entry routes of COVID-19, the mechanisms of affection and the most frequent neurological manifestations described in the literature.
Methodology. A systematic review of the literature published from December 1, 2019 to December 31, 2020 on neurological manifestations in patients with COVID-19 infection is carried out.
Results. Transneuronal (nasal, ophthalmic or gustatory) and hematogenous entry pathways to the nervous system are described. The most frequent manifestations are alterations in smell and taste, headache, vertigo, dizziness, alterations in consciousness, polyneuropathies such as Guillain Barré Syndrome, cerebrovascular event, the current treatment being symptomatic according to the neurological lesion.
Conclusion. Prospective studies must be carried out to determine the direct association between COVID-19 infection and neurological manifestations.