Neurological Symptoms in COVID-19 may Predict One’s Recovery

COVID-19 has devastated the whole world during this pandemic. It is caused by the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus commonly resulting in respiratory illnesses like cough, shortness of breath, and, in severe cases, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and pneumonia. Further exploration upon the disease has revealed its causative role in neurological disorders such as ischemic stroke, encephalitis, encephalopathy, and epileptic seizures, according to the review--published in the journal Cells.

Other COVID-19-related neurological manifestations include dizziness, headache, a loss of consciousness, and ataxia (loss of balance and muscle control).

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‘COVID-19 is found to play a causative role in neurological disorders such as ischemic stroke, encephalitis, encephalopathy, and epileptic seizures. However further evidence is required to conclude their mechanisms and further long-term consequences.’

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Neurological Symptoms in COVID-19:

The virus gains access to the human body via a specific receptor called ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) receptor, present on the lining of the respiratory cells. It is also present in other body parts like the heart, food pipe, kidney, and bladder cells.

The study emphasizes the neuroinvasive potential of SARS-CoV-2 through either a porous bone in the nasal cavity (which causes the loss of smell and/or taste commonly experienced with COVID-19), or through the body's circulatory system, subsequently crossing the blood-brain barrier.

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"Ordinarily, the blood-brain barrier allows nutrients to reach the brain while protecting it from circulating toxins or pathogens that could cause infections. However, the exact mechanisms underlying COVID-19-associated neurological disorders remain unknown. Such viral infectivity could alter blood-brain barrier function, which may influence disease progression", says Dr. Chaitali Ghosh, Ph.D.

The virus upon access to the central nervous system (CNS), induces cytokine storms, thereby causing inflammation in the brain and affecting the blood-brain barrier integrity.

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Cytokines are a type of protein involved in the immune response system of the body. The study highlighted the fact that these CNS manifestations can also occur before respiratory ailments and it is seen in even mild to moderate COVID disease. However further studies are needed to conclude their long-term consequences.

"I am eager to define and learn more about which signaling pathways are linked to which neurological disorders, and think this will be an exciting new frontier in COVID-19 research," said Dr. Ghosh.

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Source-Medindia