COVID-19 has spread throughout the world and has resulted in significant morbidity, mortality, and negative psychological impact. This prospective cross-sectional study is exploring the effect of the pandemic on mental health of medical students. The study was conducted at six Jordanian medical schools using an online survey to collect students’ socio-demographic and academic data. Assessment of mental wellbeing status was done using Kessler’s psychological stress scale (K10); the impact of COVID-19 on life activities and strategies followed to manage the situation were also examined. A total of 553 medical students were recruited for the study. Men constituted 40.1%, and women were 59.9%. Students reported that COVID-19 has affected the aspects of physical fitness (73.1%), study (68.4%), and social relationships (65.6%) the most. Sixty-six percent of the students were concerned about family members’ affection, and more than half (58.4%) explained their concerns about the inability to get clinical sessions and labs. Cooking, baking, and hobby practicing were the most popular methods to improve their mental wellbeing. About half of the participants had a severe mental disorder, and only 13.2% were likely to be well. The study indicates that half of our medical students suffer severe mental disorders, with physical fitness, exercise, and studying being among the most affected aspects during the COVID 19 pandemic. It is recommended that measures need be taken to alleviate students’ stress, which might have deleterious effects in many aspects.

Introduction We report a case of pneumocephalus, which is identified as the presence of air in the cranial cavity and is a rare complication after spinal surgeries, in addition to a literature review of similarly reported cases. Case presentation The patient is a 63-year-old male who developed pneumocephalus after undergoing a minimally invasive left side decompression at L3-L4 with left L4 foraminotomy even though there were no signs of dural tears or Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) leaks. After the diagnosis of pneumocephalus using brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), the patient was treated conservatively and was discharged after 3 weeks without developing further complications. Discussion Pneumocephalus is defined as an abnormal accumulation of air within the cranial cavity. It can occur due to a variety of causes but rarely due to gas forming bacteria. Many theories are suggested concerning the pathophysiology of pneumocephalus, the inverted bottle theory, the ball valve theory, the Nitrous Oxide (N 2 O) theory, and as we outweigh in our case, gas forming bacteria theory. Pneumocephalus can be treated surgically, nevertheless, conservative management methods of such cases are usually followed. Conclusion The aim of this study is to draw further attention to the management and diagnosis of such surgical complication. A more extended research is needed to provide a full comprehensive approach to deal with this problem if faced in the future. To the best of our knowledge, this study reports the first pneumocephalus case induced by a postoperative bacterial infection in the global English based medical literature.

Background The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on health services offered to patients with non-communicable diseases, including chronic neurological illnesses, are diverse and universal. We used a self-reported questionnaire to investigate these impacts on neurology patients in Jordan and assess their knowledge and attitudes towards the pandemic. Results Most respondents had positive attitudes towards the COVID-19 pandemic, with 96% reporting they believed in the seriousness of the pandemic and adhered to prevention measures. Nearly 97% resorted to the internet and media outlets for medical information about the pandemic. About one in five clinic visitors had their appointments delayed due to interruption of health services. A similar portion of patients with MS, epilepsy, and migraine or tension headache reported medication interruptions during the pandemic. One in two patients reported new events or worsening illness since the start of the pandemic, and sleep disturbances were reported by nearly one in three patients who had epilepsy or headache. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic’s impacts on patients with neurological illnesses in Jordan were deep and diverse. Meanwhile, the majority of surveyed neurology patients demonstrated a positive attitude towards the pandemic.

nervous system disorder among those 2 (50%) as Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and 2 (50%) as Bell's palsy. ConclusionsWe have found cerebrovascular disease, encephalopathy and peripheral nervous system disorder as presentation of COVID-19 in our study. Further nationwide study is needed to quantify the association and disease burden.