Covid-19 didn’t just affect the lungs — it also posed serious risks to the brain and nervous system, according to a recent study conducted by Nimhans (National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences). The research found evidence of neurological impact in a number of Covid-19 patients during the early months of the pandemic.
Neurological Symptoms Observed in Covid Patients
As reported by TOI, the study involved 3,200 patients from March to September 2020. Among them, 120 individuals developed neurological disorders during or after their Covid-19 infection. The conditions identified included:
- 43 cases of stroke
- 23 cases of encephalopathy (a disease affecting brain structure or function)
- 5 cases of meningoencephalitis (inflammation of the brain and its surrounding membranes)
- 5 cases of seizures
- 7 patients with persistent headache
- 10 cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (a rare autoimmune disorder causing nerve inflammation)
Additionally, 20 patients with pre-existing neurological conditions experienced a worsening of symptoms during their Covid-19 illness.
Covid May Affect Both Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems
Dr. Netravathi M, professor of neurology at Nimhans and lead researcher of the study, noted that Covid-19 could affect both the central and peripheral nervous systems, leading to a wide spectrum of symptoms. She emphasized that these findings reflect the need for continued monitoring of neurological complications associated with Covid.
Call for a National Neurological Registry
To better understand and track the long-term impact, Dr. Netravathi recommended establishing a nationwide or region-specific neurological registry. This database would help document and analyze long-term effects not only of Covid-19 infection but also of neurological issues potentially linked to Covid vaccination.
Need for Continued Surveillance
In an interview with The Times of India, Dr. Netravathi stressed the importance of ongoing surveillance, particularly because the study was conducted during the peak of the pandemic. She believes that long-term observation is crucial to fully understand the neurological footprint left behind by Covid-19.