The effect of SARS-CoV-2 on the nervous system: a review of neurological impacts caused by human coronaviruses

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected millions of people worldwide. While coronaviruses typically have low rates of neurotropic effects, the massive transmission of SARS-CoV-2 suggests that a substantial population will suffer from potential SARS-CoV-2-related neurological disorders. The rapid and recent emergence of SARS-CoV-2 means little research exists on its potential neurological effects. Here we analyze the effects of similar viruses to provide insight into the potential effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the nervous system and beyond. Seven coronavirus strains (HCoV-OC43, HCoV-HKU1, HCoV-229E, HCoV-NL63, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2) can infect humans. Many of these strains cause neurological effects, such as headaches, dizziness, strokes, seizures, and critical illness polyneuropathy/myopathy. Certain studies have also linked coronaviruses with multiple sclerosis and extensive central nervous system injuries. Reviewing these studies provides insight into the anticipated effects for patients with SARS-CoV-2. This review will first describe the effects of other coronaviruses that have caused severe disease (SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV) on the nervous system, as well as their proposed origins, non-neurological effects, and neurological infection mechanisms. It will then discuss what is known about SARS-CoV-2 in these areas with reference to the aforementioned viruses, with the goal of providing a holistic picture of SARS-CoV-2.

The Potential Role of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Vaccines in Multiple Sclerosis Onset and Reactivation: A Case Series and Literature Review

“…The advent of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has raised multiple issues, and among them, some relevant ones on the relationship between the virus and dysimmune diseases. In particular, considering the profound alteration of the immune system induced by the virus [ 1 ] as well as its neurotropism, confirmed by the presence of neurological symptoms in the acute and post-acute phase of SARS-CoV-2-related infection (COVID-19) [ 2 ], the center of a lively debate has been the possible bidirectional relationship between the virus and central nervous system (CNS) disorders [ 3 , 4 , 5 ]. More specifically, researchers have been investigating whether SARS-CoV-2 is able to cause or contribute to the onset of dysimmune central nervous system (CNS) disorders, as well as whether people already affected with such diseases and likely to be on immune-active treatments were exposed to a higher risk of severe infection [ 6 , 7 ].…”