Article Text
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic that attracted global attention in December 2019 is well known for its clinical picture that is consistent with respiratory symptoms. Currently, the available medical literature describing the neurological complications of COVID-19 is gradually emerging. We hereby describe a case of a 31-year-old COVID-19-positive patient who was admitted on emergency basis. His clinical presentation was primarily neurological, rather than the COVID-19’s classical respiratory manifestations. He presented with acute behavioural changes, severe confusion and drowsiness. The cerebrospinal fluid analysis was consistent with COVID-19 encephalitis, as well as the brain imaging. This experience confirms that neurological manifestations might be expected in COVID-19 infections, despite the absence of significant respiratory symptoms. Whenever certain red flags are raised, physicians who are involved in the management of COVID-19 should promptly consider the possibility of encephalitis. Early recognition of COVID-19 encephalitis and timely management may lead to a better outcome.
- medical management
- infection (neurology)
- neuroimaging
- infectious diseases
- global health
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Footnotes
Contributors The contributors of this work include YMK for direct medical care and writing the structure of the article; YA for direct patient care, editing the article and the submission process; and AAAAM for direct patient care, as well as being the most responsible physician. We would also like to express our gratitude for the Infectious Disease team, the Psychiatry team and the nursing team in Rashid Hospital for helping us provide the complete medical care that the patient needs. Last but not least, we are thankful to the patient for consenting to publish his case.
Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.
Competing interests None declared.
Patient consent for publication Obtained.
Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.