Supervisors info:
Ευάγγελος Ι. Γιαμαρέλλος - Μπουρμπούλης, Καθηγητής, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ επιβλέπων
Κωνσταντίνος Λεβεντογιάννης, Επιστημονικός Συνεργάτης, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Νικόλαος Αντωνάκος, Διδάκτωρ, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Summary:
The Covid-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has impacted millions globally, presenting a variety of symptoms, including persistent neurological issues post-acute infection. This thesis offers an in-depth examination of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of Covid-19, with an emphasis on the neurological symptoms observed in long Covid-19 cases.
Literature review indicates that a notable number of Covid-19 patients suffer from neurological symptoms such as encephalopathy, delirium, headaches, migraines, stroke, cerebrovascular disease, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. The underlying mechanisms for these symptoms are under investigation, but current evidence points to factors like viral, immune, coagulation, neuroinflammatory, and hypoxic mechanisms.
Effective diagnosis and management of neurological symptoms in Covid-19 patients necessitate a multidisciplinary strategy, incorporating imaging, laboratory tests, medications, rehabilitation, and ongoing follow-up. Given the potential for long-term neurological consequences, further research is essential to elucidate the underlying mechanisms, risk factors, and outcomes associated with these symptoms.
The neurological effects of long Covid-19 present a significant concern, necessitating awareness among healthcare providers regarding the associated risks and challenges. Tackling these issues will require coordinated efforts from public health officials, clinicians, and researchers to improve understanding and management of the long-term neurological impacts of Covid-19.
Keywords:
Covid-19, SARS-CoV-2, Neurological symptoms, Encephalopathy, Delirium, Headaches, Migraines, Stroke, Cerebrovascular disease, Neuropsychiatric symptoms, Diagnosis, Management, Rehabilitation, Long-term follow-up