An Overview of the Role of SARS-CoV-2 in the Occurrence of Central Nervous System Disorders and Mental Problems

Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is one of the deadliest viral diseases that has made serious problems in all aspects of human life since its emergence. The occurrence of neurological problems in the central nervous system (CNS) is one of the most dangerous and disturbing problems in patients with severe types of the disease, which can manifest in various forms including mental disorders, hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), general disorders of the CNS (such as seizures, meningitis, encephalitis), peripheral neuropathies (Guillen Barre syndrome and cranial neuropathies), and many post-infection consequences (long-term COVID-19). New findings show that the neural invasion of the SARS-CoV-2 into the CNS can occur through different mechanisms, including entering the olfactory nerve, vascular endothelial contamination, and passing infected leukocytes through the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Better attention and recognition of these disorders can reduce the morbidity and mortality rates of the disease, as well as help in reducing the problems related to patients so that they can return to normal life as soon as possible. Emphasizing the importance of proper clinical management of these disorders in survival and improving the life quality of patients with this disease, the current study reviews the most important findings of studies related to neurological and CNS disorders from COVID-19.