COVID-19 et SYSTÈME NERVEUX : Formes aiguës et COVID long

ABSTRACT Currently available data show that SARS-CoV-2 has a neuro invasive potential, that its neuro tropism is relatively limited and that it can be neuro virulent in certain patients. Nervous system impairment associated with COVID-19 in the acute phase manifests in the form of encephalopathy, stroke and possibly peripheral nervous system involvement.

The involvement of the nervous system is also important in the prolonged forms. Now recognized by health authorities, “long COVID” is identified as a frequent condition complicating the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Its polymorphic and sometimes disconcerting clinical expression raises questions about its mechanism. Patterns of clinical expression suggest extensive involvement of the nervous system through an almost ubiquitous cognitive complaint.

The high proportion of patients with acute neurological damage and patients with long COVID invites: – a coordinated research effort to identify the different mechanisms involved, – a screening for cognitive deficit in the face of a cognitive complaint, – the systematic search for a depressive and/or anxiety disorder, -specialized multidisciplinary care in which the attending physician must play a key role.