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01-01-2021 | Myalgie | COVID-19

Characteristics, onset, and evolution of neurological symptoms in patients with COVID-19

Authors: Imen Kacem, Alya Gharbi, Chahida Harizi, Emira Souissi, Mouna Safer, Amina Nasri, Hajer Letaief, Manel Akkari, Aicha Hechaichi, Saloua Mrabet, Sonia Dhaouadi, Mouna Ben Djebara, Sondes Derouiche, Amina Gargouri, Mohamed Chahed, Nissaf Ben Alaya, Riadh Gouider

Published in: Neurological Sciences | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

A wide range of neurological manifestations has been described in COVID-19.

Methods

In this nationwide retrospective observational study, patients in Tunisia diagnosed with COVID-19 between the 2nd of March and the 16th of May 2020 were contacted by telephone. We collected demographic and clinical data and specified characteristics and evolution of main neurological symptoms.

Results

Of 1034 confirmed COVID-19 patients, 646 were included (mean age 42.17 years old) and 466 (72.1%) had neurological symptoms. Neurological symptoms were isolated 22.7% (n = 106). Headache was the most frequent neurological symptom (n = 279, 41.1%): mainly frontotemporal (n = 143, 51.1%) and mild or moderate (n = 165, 59.1%). When associated with fever (n = 143, 51.3%), headache was more likely to be severe and present at onset. Recovery was reported in 83.2%. Smell and taste impairment were found in 37.9% (n = 245) and 36.8% (n = 238) respectively. Among them, 65.3% (156/239) were anosmic and 63.2% (146/231) were ageusic. A complete improvement was found in 72.1% (174/240) of smell impairment and in 76.8% (179/233) of taste impairment. Myalgia (n = 241, 37.3%) and sleep disturbances (n = 241, 37.3%) were also frequent. Imported cases had more neurological symptoms (p = 0.001). In 14.5%, neurological symptoms preceded the respiratory signs (RS). RS were associated with more frequent (p = 0.006) and numerous (p < 0.001) neurological symptoms.

Conclusions

Neurological symptoms in COVID-19 are frequent, can be isolated and present at onset. A total recovery is the most recorded outcome. RS are predictive of neurological symptoms. Studies in to virus and host genetics should be considered to understand the different phenotypes.

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Title: Characteristics, onset, and evolution of neurological symptoms in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Imen Kacem
Alya Gharbi
Chahida Harizi
Emira Souissi
Mouna Safer
Amina Nasri
Hajer Letaief
Manel Akkari
Aicha Hechaichi
Saloua Mrabet
Sonia Dhaouadi
Mouna Ben Djebara
Sondes Derouiche
Amina Gargouri
Mohamed Chahed
Nissaf Ben Alaya
Riadh Gouider
Publication date: 01-01-2021
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Myalgie
Myalgia
SARS-CoV-2
COVID-19
Headache
Published in: Neurological Sciences / Issue 1/2021
Print ISSN: 1590-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1590-3478
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-020-04866-9

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Springer Medicine

Characteristics, onset, and evolution of neurological symptoms in patients with COVID-19

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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