Study Reveals Potential Brain Inflammation in COVID-19 Patients, Even After Recovery

People infected with the coronavirus, even those who have recovered, would have brain sequelae. According to British researchers who conducted a study on the issue, several COVID-19 positive cases show rare brain inflammation due to SARS-CoV-2.

Out of the 43 patients in the study, aged 16 to 65, the infection was confirmed for 29. For the rest, it is probable for 8 and possible for 6. The authors of the study also found that 12 patients in this sample suffer from acute disseminated encephalomyelitis or ADEM, a rare condition.

The study does specify, however, that the coronavirus does not directly attack the brain. Moreover, the causal link between the onset of ADEM and coronavirus infection deserves further investigation. In addition, ten patients suffered from transient encephalopathy accompanied by episodes of delirium for some. Eight others had a stroke.

Other studies seem to confirm the hypothesis of brain inflammation. American doctors have revealed that 36% of 214 Chinese patients have presented various neurological symptoms: loss of smell, nerve pain, and even seizures and strokes.

According to Rohan Arora, a neurologist at Long Island Jewish Forest Hills hospital, 40% of people who have recovered from the coronavirus are affected by this condition, adding that it is difficult to know "if these disorders are lasting".