NEURO-COVID: THE HIDDEN BATTLE OF THE BRAIN AMIDST THE PANDEMIC

Authors

  • KIROLOS ESKANDAR Department of Psychiatry, Diakonie Klinik Mosbach, Mosbach, Germany.

Keywords:

Neuro-COVID, SARS-CoV-2, neurological manifestations, neuroinflammation, long COVID

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed itself as more than just a respiratory illness, bringing to light significant neurological implications that are still being unraveled. SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, demonstrates a capacity for neuroinvasion, resulting in a broad spectrum of acute and chronic neurological manifestations. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the pathophysiology, clinical presentations, and management strategies of neuro-COVID, highlighting the brain's hidden battle amidst the pandemic. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, focusing on studies published between January 2020 and August 2024. Relevant articles were selected based on their contribution to understanding the neurological impact of COVID-19, including pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical manifestations, neuroimaging findings, and therapeutic approaches. Case studies and reports were also incorporated to illustrate the diversity of neuro-COVID presentations. The analysis revealed that SARS-CoV-2 can infiltrate the central nervous system via multiple pathways, including direct viral invasion through ACE2 receptors and indirect mechanisms such as cytokine storms. Acute neurological symptoms range from mild (e.g., anosmia, headaches) to severe (e.g., encephalitis, stroke). Long-term sequelae, including cognitive impairments and neuropsychiatric disorders, are increasingly recognized as significant challenges in post-COVID care. Current therapeutic strategies focus on symptom management, with ongoing research into targeted neurotherapeutics. Neuro-COVID represents a significant and evolving challenge in the context of the pandemic. Understanding the neurological implications of COVID-19 is crucial for improving patient outcomes and guiding future research. This review underscores the need for heightened clinical awareness and a multidisciplinary approach to effectively address the complex neuro-COVID spectrum.

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Published

2024-10-28

How to Cite

ESKANDAR, K. (2024). NEURO-COVID: THE HIDDEN BATTLE OF THE BRAIN AMIDST THE PANDEMIC. Quantum Journal of Engineering, Science and Technology, 5(4), 101–113. Retrieved from https://qjoest.com/index.php/qjoest/article/view/175

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