Postinfectious brainstem encephalitis associated with SARS-CoV-2
Anthony Khoo, Benjamin C. Mcloughlin, Sanjay Cheema, Rimona S. Weil, Christian Lambert, Hadi Manji, Michael S. Zandi, Jasper M. Morrow
Abstract
Immune-mediated neurological sequelae following infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are becoming increasingly evident, and can affect both the peripheral and central nervous system. We report a postinfectious brainstem syndrome in a patient with COVID-19 who presented with generalised myoclonus, ocular flutter with convergence spasm and acquired hyperekplexia. Clinical improvement was seen following corticosteroids, highlighting this as a possible treatment in patients where a post-COVID-19 autoimmune encephalitis is suspected.
Topics & Concepts
Subgenomic mRNABiologyRNAVirologyViral replicationGenomeCoronavirusTranscription (linguistics)VirusRNA virusGeneGeneticsCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Infectious disease (medical specialty)MedicineDiseasePhilosophyPathologyLinguisticsSARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 ResearchLong-Term Effects of COVID-19Infectious Encephalopathies and Encephalitis