COVID-19 and the Brain: Acute Encephalitis as a Clinical Manifestation
Asim Haider, Ayesha Siddiqa, Nisha Ali, Manjeet Dhallu
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) viral infections result in the clinical syndromes of aseptic meningitis or encephalitis. Although the primary target of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the respiratory system, it is increasingly being recognized as a neuropathogen. The hallmark clinical feature is altered mental status, ranging from mild confusion to deep coma. Most patients with encephalopathy or encephalitis are critically ill. We present a case of COVID-19-related encephalitis who presented with acute delirium and new-onset seizures. The patient responded well to treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins and rituximab.
Topics & Concepts
MedicineEncephalitisAseptic meningitisAltered Mental StatusDeliriumEncephalopathyViral encephalitisComa (optics)Acute disseminated encephalomyelitisCoronavirusConfusionMeningitisCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)PediatricsDiseaseIntensive care medicineImmunologyMultiple sclerosisInfectious disease (medical specialty)PathologyVirusInternal medicineOpticsPsychologyPhysicsPsychoanalysisLong-Term Effects of COVID-19COVID-19 Clinical Research StudiesInfectious Encephalopathies and Encephalitis