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

Background: Although COVID-19 preferentially affects the respiratory system, it has been demonstrated that coronaviruses frequently invade the nervous system. Objectives: We aimed to report the frequency and type of neurological manifestations in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Methods: 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). Results: 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. Conclusions: 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.