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Journal of Neurology

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01-11-2020 | Guillain-Barré Syndrome | Review

Neurological involvement of coronavirus disease 2019: a systematic review

Authors: Malik Ghannam, Qasem Alshaer, Mustafa Al-Chalabi, Lara Zakarna, Jetter Robertson, Georgios Manousakis

Published in: Journal of Neurology | Issue 11/2020

Abstract

Background

In December 2019, unexplained cases of pneumonia emerged in Wuhan, China, which were found to be secondary to the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-2019) outbreak, a pandemic.

Objective

To clarify the neurological complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection including the potential mechanisms and therapeutic options.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature search from December 01, 2019 to May 14, 2020 using multiple combinations of keywords from PubMed and Ovid Medline databases according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We included articles with cases of COVID-19 where neurological involvement was evident.

Results

We were able to identify 82 cases of COVID-19 with neurological complications. The mean age was 62.3 years. 37.8% of the patients were women (n = 31). 48.8% of the patients (n = 40) had cerebrovascular insults, 28% (n = 23) had neuromuscular disorders, and 23% of the patients (n = 19) had encephalitis or encephalopathy.

Conclusions

Neurological manifestations of COVID-19 are not rare, especially large vessel stroke, Guillain–Barre syndrome, and meningoencephalitis. Moving forward, further studies are needed to clarify the prevalence of the neurological complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection, investigate their biological backgrounds, and test treatment options. Physicians should be cautious not to overlook other neurological diagnoses that can mimic COVID-19 during the pandemic.

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Title: Neurological involvement of coronavirus disease 2019: a systematic review
Authors: Malik Ghannam
Qasem Alshaer
Mustafa Al-Chalabi
Lara Zakarna
Jetter Robertson
Georgios Manousakis
Publication date: 01-11-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Stroke
Meningoencephalitis
SARS-CoV-2
COVID-19
Encephalitis
Published in: Journal of Neurology / Issue 11/2020
Print ISSN: 0340-5354
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1459
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-020-09990-2

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Neurological involvement of coronavirus disease 2019: a systematic review

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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