Neurological Manifestations of Hospitalized COVID-19-Infected Patients: A Single-Center Cohort Study

 Although COVID-19 preferentially affects the respiratory system, it has been demonstrated that coronaviruses frequently invade the nervous system.

 We aimed to report the frequency and type of neurological manifestations in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

 This is a retrospective, prospective observational cohort study. Data were collected from April to July 2020 at Bu-Ali Sina University Hospital, Sari, Iran. Demographic data and clinical symptoms were recorded at the onset of the disease. Neurological manifestations were recorded into 5 categories: nonspecific central nervous system (CNS) manifestations, acute cerebrovascular disease (CVD), meningitis/encephalitis, peripheral nervous system manifestations, and inflammatory disorders (myelitis and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis).

 A total of 420 patients were admitted to the hospital with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Of the 420 patients hospitalized with COVID-19, 282 (67%) showed some form of neurological symptoms, of whom 48.33% had nonspecific neurological symptoms. Further, 35 (8.3%) patients had acute CVD, 2 patients had encephalitis (the RNA of SARS-CoV-2 was detected in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), 1 patient had myelitis, and 83 (19.76%) patients had peripheral nervous system manifestations.

 Neurologic symptoms (from mild symptoms to life-threatening CNS disorders) are common in admitted patients with COVID-19. As a result of coagulation disorder in patients with COVID-19, some conditions (such as stroke) can be seen, even during recovery.