Several studies and reports suggest that COVID-19 patients suffer neurological complications or temporary brain dysfunction ranging from loss of smell to stroke. 

Headache
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There are still many things that remain a mystery about COVID-19 and how many organs it affects. There are many reports about the effect of the virus on the heart, lungs, and respiratory systems, but there is growing evidence that it affects the brain too. 

A study published on Jama Neurology in April reveals that more than a third of around 214 COVID-19 patients suffered neurological complications that range from loss of smell to stroke. Patients also experienced cerebrovascular events, impaired consciousness, and muscle injury.

In another study from the University College London, which was published this month, the study reveals that 10 out of 43 experienced temporary brain dysfunction and delirium, 12 suffered from brain inflammation, eight had strokes, while 12 suffered from nerve damage. 

The Lancet Psychiatry also published a study last month that looked into 153 COVID-19 patients in the United Kingdom. The study found out that COVID-19 patients aged 60 years old and younger could have psychosis, depression, and strokes. 

However, it is still not clear until now how the virus affects the brain and the nerves. Moreover, two dedicated physicians are interested in studying the effects of COVID-19 on the nervous system. They also wanted answers to why this happened. 

Dr. Sanjay Gupta, who has been a neurosurgeon for 20 years, said that a hard shell of bone, a bath of clear fluid, and a blood-brain barrier create checkpoints before certain molecules are even allowed to enter. Yet, he is amazed at how the virus can sneak into the central nervous system. 

Dr. Minali Nigam, a newly minted resident physician and chose to go into neurology, said that details like the ability to raise an eyebrow could tell what part of the nervous system is injured. Dr. Nigam also added that there are so many things we do not know about the impact of COVID-19 to the brain.

According to a study published in CNN News, among the most common neurological symptoms are loss of smell and taste, which could be the first symptoms of those who tested positive for the new coronavirus. Other symptoms include headache, dizziness, loss of consciousness, weakness, seizures, paralysis, strokes, and more.

Moreover, neurological complications are not distinct and unique to COVID-19. This complication was also seen for those who have flu, measles, respiratory syncytial virus, and Zika. That also includes other types of coronaviruses like SARS and MERS.

Dr. Felicia Chow is a neuroinfectious disease expert at the University of California, San Francisco. She said, "Neurologic involvement seems to be a prominent feature of this particular coronavirus," She also added that the increase of COVID-19 patients who are experiencing brain problems is also due to the increase of patients who tested positive for the virus. 

There is still a need to have a large study about the COVID-19 related neurological issue to determine if there is a correlation between having COVID-19 and brain issues.

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