Complicaciones neurológicas en pacientes adultos Postcovid-19. Revisión sistemática

Abstract

Introduction: Neurological changes following COVID-19 are related to the migration of the virus through the nerve endings and are identified by laboratory tests, immunoglobulins G and M, imaging studies, and electroencephalograms, among others, permitting their classification as central, peripheral, or muscular. Objective: To systematize scientific data from various publications evaluating neurological complications due to COVID-19. Methodology: This systematic review adopted the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, with inclusion criteria of PEDro ≥5 points, statistically significant values in %, CI, p, OR, plus Oxford evidence level, A/(Ia, Ib, Ic), B/(2a,2b,3a,3b), C/4 and D/5, obtained from Elsevier, Wiley Online Library, PubMed, SciELO, Dialnet, Web of Science, SpringerLink, or other digital journals using AND, NOT, OR, u, o. Results: Of the 156 collected articles, 76 were linked to the peripheral nervous system, with 33 (43%) corresponding to anosmia and 23 (30%) to dysgeusia as the most frequent, followed by 61 publications about the central nervous system, with 21 (20%) associated with headache as the most common; and 37 neuromuscular publications, represented by fatigue 17 (46%). Discussion: Each pathology requires an appropriate diagnosis through additional examinations, with an emphasis on pharmacological methods, including corticosteroids, antiretrovirals, sildenafil, anticonvulsants, anticoagulants, benzodiazepines and immunoglobulins, which, along with physiotherapy, allow for rapid recovery. Conclusions: Neurological complications have a variable duration of weeks or months and respond positively to pharmacological treatment and physiotherapeutic rehabilitation employed specifically for each pathology.