According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), a study that specifically investigated the neurological manifestations of COVID-19 could document neurological symptoms in 25% of patients. There are cases popping up around the country of patients, who test positive for COVID-19 yet have none of the common symptoms of the disease. They are seeking treatment for symptoms such as: severe fatigue, confusion, or suddenly not being able to speak. Our neurology specialist, Dr. Sarbjot Dulai, goes through the risk factors that can precede these neurological symptoms and shares the symptoms you should keep an eye out for.

Risk Factors

According to the CDC hospitalization rates for COVID-19 patients increase with age, with the highest being among older adults 50 years of age and older with the majority of these patients having underlying conditions. The most common underlying conditions are obesity, chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, autoimmune disorders, and diabetes mellitus. (Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6915e3.htm)

These findings underscore the importance of preventive measures such as social distancing, respiratory hygiene and wearing face coverings in public settings where social distancing measures may be difficult to maintain. By following these protocols, you can help to protect older adults and vulnerable persons with underlying medical conditions.

Symptoms

The CDC states the most common symptoms as:

cough,
fever or chills,
shortness of breath,
diarrhea,
and nausea or vomiting

However, due to the new neurological implications, they have added “new confusion, altered mental state, or an inability to rouse” to the symptom list. Altered mental state can manifest in a number of ways including, but not limited to:

not being able to speak suddenly,
loss of smell and/or taste
headache and fever,
stroke,
seizures,
tingling or numbness of the extremities,
appearing dazed,
lethargy,
confusion,
or a change in behavior.

Consult a Neurologist

Neurologic presentations of COVID-19 are not common but could happen. Therefore, early diagnosis by an experienced neurologist in Leesburg, VA can help save precious time in getting the correct treatment needed for this new side of COVID-19. If you experience any of the indications of neurological side effects, set up an appointment with your trusted neurologist in Leesburg, Dr. Dulai. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen. Due to COVID-19 the office is now offering telemedicine appointments for online consultation and where necessary scheduling office visits as well. You can call Neurology Associates at (703) 726-6393 to schedule a consultation.