As the year 2020 progresses, people are becoming more commonly aware of the signs, symptoms, and prevention methods of COVID-19. Almost anyone can list the physical symptoms of this respiratory virus as it attacks the lungs and throat over the course of affecting your body. But not as many people are aware of the neurological effects of COVID-19.
Recent research has found that some patients with COVID-19 have experience neurological symptoms or issues of the brain following a diagnosis of this deadly virus. Take a look at some of the warning signs and symptoms of the neurological effects of COVID-19. And invest in the right brain treatment to prevent your body from falling ill to this disease. As the top neurosurgeon Los Angeles offers, be sure to visit Dr. Yashar for any nerve-related concerns.
ADEM – Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis
It might be impossible to pronounce, but it is possible to contract this harmful condition as a result of contracting COVID-19. According to research in the UK, there have been instances of ADEM in COVID-19 patients with weaker immune systems.
ADEM is a rare disease that causes the immune system to attack brain tissue. This in turn sends the wrong signals throughout the nervous system.
In very rare cases, this condition can be fatal. However, most patients recover within a few months after some specialized treatments. Some patients have been diagnosed with COVID-19, as well as ADEM. Oddly enough, in these situations, the patients hardly have any lung-related complications at all.
Central Nervous System Inflammation
Another neurological effect that results from the Coronavirus is the inflammation of the central nervous system. According to a study published in The Scientist, certain symptoms like the loss of taste and smell suggest that COVID-19 has both physical and neurological effects. There were a dozen patients in London who exhibited symptoms of central nervous system damage, including ADEM.
Some of these patients began to express different cognitive changes as well. For example, some were diagnosed with psychosis or delirium. Continuing nerve damage was evident in these patients studied. One patient suffered from a stroke that left even more severe nerve damage.
Other Neurological Effects
As many people know, COVID-19 is a form of SARS, which generally affects the respiratory system. However, it is becoming clear that some patients who have a weak or compromised immune system are at risk of developing neurological effects in addition to the possible physical symptoms.
There are some additional things to be made aware of:
Brain Neurons
The part of the brain that is most likely to be affected by COVID-19 is the medulla oblongata. This is the part of the brain that controls the functions of your heart and lungs. We call this the “control center” of the brain stem. If this part of the brain starts to become affected, there could be immediate negative effects in the respiratory system.
Loss of Smell or Taste
An early sign that there is some neurological damage resulting from the Coronavirus is the loss of the ability to smell or taste. This may also be followed by other behaviors such as a seizure or a stroke. It is important to be carefully monitored for any signs of neurological damage when assessing the best course of action for COVID-19 treatment.
Reduce the Risks of COVID-19 Today!
There is great fear in the medical community that the number of COVID-19 cases will continue to rise as the year progresses. Although there are treatments and vaccines in development, it will be some time before the Coronavirus is a thing of the past. And with new revelations that this virus could have neurological effects, it is doubly important to stay safe and enforce prevention methods with yourself every day. Wear a face mask, remain socially distant, and wash your hands and face often.
