Nerve Related Difficulties Due To COVID-19

Not only the respiratory system, COVID-19 affects other organs as well and can also cause nerve damage. This can lead to problems such as paralysis, brain swelling and weakened legs and arms. Moreover, this may not just occur when suffering from an infection, but after recovery as well.

Paralysis

Approximately 1-2% of the people who have suffered from severe COVID suffer from paralysis. Blood clots or haemorrhages in the blood vessels of the brain can also occur. Generally, alcoholism, inadequate physical activities and other such risk factors could lead to obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, etc. But now, despite these risk factors, people are suffering from chronic diseases at an early age due to COVID-19. This mainly happens as a result of an aggressive immune response to the virus and narrowing of the blood vessels due to the inflammatory process. Paralysis is caused when such activity happens in the brain. During the COVID-19 treatment, some people are given blood thinners, which lead to bleeding in the brain, lowering of the platelets, etc. causing paralysis. Symptoms include confusion, slurred speech, blurred vision, numbness on one side of the body, weakness, facial drooping and disordered gait.

Diagnosis/Treatment: if any symptoms of paralysis appear, seek immediate medical help. Brain and MRI scans help diagnose which part of the brain is damaged. Besides this, glucose and cholesterol tests may be done, along with ECG and 2D echo tests to determine the heart functions. In case of paralysis due to blood clotting, TPA injection is given intravenously within the first 4-5 hours. Surgery can also be done to remove the clots. In the case of haemorrhagic stroke, it is important to control blood pressure. Similarly depending upon the situation, the treatment is given. Prompt treatment of paralysis gives good results.

Exercise & therapy is important: people with paralysis may experience muscle weakness, may be unable to speak properly, have forgetfulness and prolonged distress. Therefore, it is very important to exercise and have physiotherapy sessions regularly. Exercises that strengthen the muscles, stretch them and make the whole-body move must be practised for 30-40 minutes every day. Speech therapy may also be required for people who have a slurred speech.

Myositis

Inflammation of the muscles is known as myositis. It is usually caused due to an injury, infection or an autoimmune disease. This condition is pretty evident in COVID-19 and certain medications are given for the COVID-19 can cause myositis, where a person may experience weakness, inflammation and pain in the muscles.

Diagnosis/Treatment: Muscle enzymes and antibodies in the blood may be tested. MRI examination of the muscles may reveal the changes if any. EMG testing, in which electrodes are inserted into the muscle is also useful. Steroids such as prednisone may be given to reduce myositis.

Fits

Some people may not experience breathing difficulties but may have fits. However, with medications, low sodium levels and paralysis, the cause needs to be identified. The treatment is then determined according to the cause. If sodium levels are low, they can be replaced, if blood pressure or glucose levels are high, they can be controlled, etc. Besides this, medication too may be required. Fits can be diagnosed with the help of ECG, CT scan and MRI. in some cases, fluids from the spine may be collected and tested.

Severe Illness

People who have had severe COVID-19 may require to be hospitalized for a longer time, be on heavy doses of medicines, be on the ventilator, have muscle damage due to metabolic changes and require bed rest after the treatment. This can lead to a critical illness of Myopathy and Neuropathy. Prolonged use of medical oxygen can lead to stress and cause certain nerves to die. Hence, timely diagnosis and physiotherapy in such cases are important.

Lowered Sense Of Taste And Smell

Loss or lowered sense of smell and taste are neurological issues. Many COVID-19 recovered people are still struggling with it. Generally, it is due to the damaged nerve cells that sense taste and smell. It can also be due to the inflammatory response in the nose. However, it improves gradually, so there is nothing to worry about

Coronary Heart Disease

In COVID-19 severe infection, necrosis factor, interleukin 6, dimer, ferritin and other inflammatory indicators are produced more than required. They can attack any part of the body including the brain, nerves and blood vessels that supply blood to the brain. The result is a variety of neurological problems like myalgia, headaches, confusion and temporary forgetfulness. The risk is higher for the elderly and those with other problems such as diabetes and hypertension. For those who have had paralysis in the past or had kidney problems, the risk is even higher.

Other Issues

Some other nerve-related issues like Guillain Barre Syndrome may occur. In this, the body’ immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s nervous system, affecting the brain. It occurs 5-10 days after the infection and weakens the legs first and then the arms. Legs and arms may be numb and painful. If the problem worsens, there may be difficulty in swallowing the lump or breathing. These symptoms may last for weeks or months.

Apart from the brain, if the nerves of the eyes are damaged, vision will be impacted and get blurred. If the facial nerve is damaged, one part of the face may appear tilted to the side. This condition is known as Bell's Palsy.

People who have suffered from severe COVID-19 infection may require complete bed-rest for a long time, due to weakness, post-treatment. Prolonged resting can lead to neurological disorders as well as certain mental and sleep problems.

Things To Keep In Mind

• Do not skip the prescribed medication and follow it religiously.
• Physiotherapy is important and should not be discontinued
• Blood pressure, glucose and weight should be in control
• Exercise should be done regularly, but only according to the body’s ability and as advised by the doctor. Strenuous exercises must be avoided.
• Yoga and meditation should be practised to reduce anxiety and depression
• Ensure proper nutrition intake. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Make dietary changes according to your health, you may consult your doctor.
• Maintain a proper sleep hygiene
• Stay well hydrated.