Late-Onset Encephalopathy Associated With SARS-CoV-2 Infection

J Neurol Res. 2020 Dec;10(6):237-239. doi: 10.14740/jnr614. Epub 2020 Dec 9.

Abstract

Several typical and atypical neurological manifestations of viral pandemics have been reported. Neurological manifestations of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have recently been reported. In this case report, we present a patient with encephalopathy as a late neurologic manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The patient initially tested positive for the novel coronavirus after presenting with fever, cough, and altered mental status. The symptoms resolved within 5 - 7 days and the patient was discharged home. He subsequently developed worsening encephalopathy in the absence of respiratory symptoms, required hospitalization, and tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Complete workup was unrevealing otherwise. We advise clinicians to be aware of late neurological manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) including encephalopathy.

Keywords: COVID-19; Encephalopathy; SARS-CoV-2; Viral infections.

Publication types

  • Case Reports