Graduation Year

2022

Document Type

Campus Only Senior Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Neuroscience

Reader 1

Melissa Coleman

Reader 2

Matthew Faldyn

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© 2022 Anaga Srinivas

Abstract

COVID-19, the disease developed from viral infection of SARS-CoV-2, was initially understood as a respiratory illness, but direct viral invasion of cells and the immune responses can give rise to multisystem and neurological effects. Neuromuscular presentations such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, myositis, and Intensive Care Unit Acquired Weakness have all been documented in COVID-19 patients, caused by a complex combination of mechanisms associated with inflammatory cytokines, direct invasion of muscle cells by the virus through the ACE2 receptor, and oxidative stress. Neuropsychiatric symptoms ranging from depression and post-traumatic stress disorder to encephalopathy and “Long COVID” also occur, partially stemming from the inflammatory cytokine storm occurring in response to viral infection. COVID-19 also increases the incidence of stroke, with presentations of ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis being documented in COVID-19 patients due to blood coagulation increasing the risk of thrombosis. The preponderance of these neurological presentations of COVID-19 have implications for public policy: mental health and disability inclusion policy need to be prioritized, as do actions that work toward correcting racial and socioeconomic inequalities in the impacts of COVID-19. Strengthening social safety nets and healthcare access will support COVID-19 patients with neurological symptoms and help reduce disparities in harm among underserved populations.

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