Title:Mini-Review on SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Neurological Manifestations:
A Perspective
Volume: 21
Issue: 3
Author(s): Vishal Chavda, Arif Tasleem Jan and Dhananjay Yadav*
Affiliation:
- Department of Medical Biotechnology,
Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 712-749, Korea
Keywords:
SARS-CoV-2, CNS, multiple sclerosis, betacoronavirus, mouse hepatitis virus, neurodegeneration.
Abstract: The coronavirus, also known as SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
Corona Virus-19), with its rapid rate of transmission, has progressed with a great impact on respiratory
function and mortality worldwide. The nasal cavity is the promising gateway of SARS-CoV-2
to reach the brain via systemic circulatory distribution. Recent reports have revealed that the loss of
involuntary process of breathing control into the brainstem that results in death is a signal of neurological
involvement. Early neurological symptoms, like loss of smell, convulsions, and ataxia, are
the clues of the involvement of the central nervous system that makes the entry of SARS-CoV-2
further fatal and life-threatening, requiring artificial respiration and emergency admission in hospitals.
Studies performed on patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 has revealed three-stage involvement
of the Central Nervous System (CNS) in the progression of SARS-CoV-2 infection: Direct involvement
of CNS with headache, ataxia, dizziness, altered or impaired consciousness, acute
stroke or seizures as major symptoms, peripheral involvement with impaired taste, smell, vision,
and altered nociception, and skeletal muscle impairment that includes skeletal muscle disorders
leading to acute paralysis in a particular area of the body. In the previous era, most studied and researched
viruses were beta coronavirus and mouse hepatitis virus, which were studied for acute
and chronic encephalitis and Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Although the early symptoms of SARS-CoV
are respiratory pathogenesis, the differential diagnosis should always be considered for neurological
perspective to stop the mortalities.
