Post-COVID-19 Neurological Sequelae of Polyneuropathy and Encephalitis: A Comprehensive Case Report

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, commonly known as COVID-19, has been associated with various neurological complications. However, the mechanisms underlying these neurological manifestations remain incompletely understood. We present a case of a 63-year-old mal...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) CA), 2024-03, Vol.16 (3), p.e56645
Main Authors: Manuel, Sebastian L, Sapone, Jenna, Lin, Frank, Chalunkal, Mathai
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Activities of daily living
Ankle
Antibodies
Autoimmune diseases
Brain research
Cardiovascular disease
Case reports
Coronaviruses
COVID-19
Diagnostic tests
Electromyography
Encephalitis
Guillain-Barre syndrome
Hallucinations
Illnesses
Immunoglobulins
Infections
Intensive care
Intubation
Magnetic resonance imaging
Nervous system
Occupational therapy
Ostomy
Patients
Proteins
Sepsis
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Summary:Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, commonly known as COVID-19, has been associated with various neurological complications. However, the mechanisms underlying these neurological manifestations remain incompletely understood. We present a case of a 63-year-old male who was admitted to the intensive care unit with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Following recovery from respiratory symptoms, he was found to have weakness in the limbs. Months later, he also developed altered mental status, hallucinations, and behavioral changes. Neurological examination revealed signs consistent with polyneuropathy and autoimmune encephalitis. Further investigations, including nerve conduction studies, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and response to steroids, supported the diagnosis of COVID-19-related polyneuropathy and autoimmune encephalitis. This is a rare presentation of COVID-19 and has only been described in a few case reports. Further research is warranted to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying neurological sequelae of COVID-19 and to develop targeted therapeutic strategies.
ISSN:2168-8184
2168-8184
DOI:10.7759/cureus.56645