Characteristics, onset, and evolution of neurological symptoms in patients with COVID-19.
Neurol Sci
; 42(1): 39-46, 2021 Jan.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-33201360
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.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Transtornos do Sono-Vigília
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Ageusia
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Mialgia
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COVID-19
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Cefaleia
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Transtornos do Olfato
Tipo de estudo:
Diagnostic_studies
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Observational_studies
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Prognostic_studies
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Risk_factors_studies
Limite:
Adult
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Aged
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Middle aged
País como assunto:
Africa
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2021
Tipo de documento:
Article