Neurological complications of coronavirus disease 2019 and the underlying mechanisms

Abstract

The recent global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Although respiratory symptoms are the primary manifestation of the majority of COVID-19 patients, an increasing number of neurological symptoms and manifestations of COVID-19 have been observed. In this review, we detail the neurological complications of COVID-19, such as gustatory and olfactory dysfunctions, stroke, memory decline, muscle injury, and seizures. Furthermore, we introduce neural invasion mechanism underlying SARS-CoV-2 infection and, further, explain the occurrence of these complications. This review offers insights into the neurological signs and symptoms of COVID-19, which may help improve the prognosis of the infected patients.