Neurological patient and coronavirus (COVID-19)

We are currently affected by the coronavirus pandemic (COVID 19). Apart from the very evident affectations of the respiratory system and the main problem of patients with COVID-19 that can lead to death, it has been observed that patients severely affected by this disease can also present neurological symptoms.

Scientific research concludes that neurological disorders can be found in about 35% of severely affected patients with COVID19, the most frequent symptom being loss of smell. Other known symptoms related to the central nervous system may be headaches, dizziness, changes in level of consciousness, ataxia, epilepsy and stroke. Relative to the peripheral nervous system, the best known symptoms are hyposmia and neuralgia. And finally, muscle weakness and muscle pain are the most common musculoskeletal disorders.

It is also known that the previous situation of the patient with COVID-19 must be taken into account, especially in cases of neurological disease. Patients with Parkinson’s Disease, Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis among others should have special attention. Even if they do not suffer from COVID19, these patients are indirectly affected by confinement since they do not follow their routine and rehabilitation care.

Faced with the large number of cases of COVID 19 in our country, the Spanish Neurology Society has addressed the issue and has transmitted a message of reassurance to neurological patients, since up to now it has not been proven that they are a more vulnerable group than the others (except in cases of depression of the immune system such as Multiple Sclerosis).

Many health centers have had to take urgent measures to be able to monitor patients, especially in cases of possible deterioration and degeneration. These measures are supported by the Spanish Neurology Society, which recommends that “In no case, neurological patients should abandon their treatment, as this could have serious consequences on their health.” The most frequent measures have been telephone consultations, consultations by video calls, publication of videos of therapeutic advice and use of softwares and app of rehabilitation guidelines.

The Neurorehabilitation Clinic has not been left behind and has maintained contact with its patients via telematics (phone calls, whatsapp, video call by Skype and zoom), has published video tips suitable for patients with neurological disorders and has carried out free classes of focused therapeutic exercises to the base alterations of neurological patients.

Thanks to all the Neurorehabilitation Clinic team for actively collaborating in all initiatives.