Background and aims
The present pandemic caused by the Novel Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is predominantly but not restricted to respiratory illness. Neurological complications in the acute phase have been well characterized like Encephalopathy, psychosis, stroke but there is paucity of data about post COVID presentations. We aim to study the various neurological syndromes seen in COVID-19 patients following discharge.
Methods
From July 2020 to December 2020, 1150 Laboratory confirmed COVID-19 cases were admitted and treated in a tertiary care hospital. Patients who developed Neurological syndromes after discharge and within 6 weeks were studied.
Results
During the follow-up period, A total of 1150 COVID-19 positive patients treated in the IP department. Out of these 10 patients with severe ARDS requiring ventilator died, one patient died of MI, 5 people bedridden at discharge. Among the survivors a total of 19 (1.6%) Patients presented with neurological complaints within 6 weeks of discharge. Of these Ischemic Stroke – 2 cases, Hemorrhagic Stroke-1, ADEM-1, Optic neuritis – 2, Epilepsy-1, GB syndrome-1, Persistent Headache-2, Bell’s Palsy-1, Sensorineuronal deafness – 2, Severe fatigue-3, Myalgias-2, Severe vertigo-1. There were 12 Male and 7 Female, age ranged from 40 years to 65 years (Median – 54 years), Co-mobidities: Diabetes – 12, Hypertension – 7.
Conclusions
SARS-CoV2 infection can cause neurological complications in both acute phase as well as in the follow up period. The pathophysiology need to be studied to plan for the management and prevention of these disabling neurological syndromes.