The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has had far-reaching health implications beyond its immediate respiratory effects.
Emerging evidence suggests a significant increase in the prevalence of stroke and other neurological disorders among COVID-19 patients and survivors. I have seen these cases in the clinic and know that Zhu’s Scalp Acupuncture (ZSA) and herbal medicine approaches can be profoundly helpful.
This article explores the connection between COVID-19 and neurological complications, providing references and studies highlighting this trend.
The Link Between COVID-19 and Neurological Disorders
COVID-19 and Stroke
Increased Incidence
Several studies have documented an increased incidence of stroke among COVID-19 patients. A study published in JAMA Neurology reported that strokes were a common complication in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, with an estimated incidence of 2.5% to 6%. Another study in Stroke found that ischemic stroke occurred in 1.6% of patients with COVID-19, and these patients often had more severe strokes compared to non-COVID-19 patients.
Mechanisms
The exact mechanisms linking COVID-19 to stroke are still being studied, but several pathways have been proposed:
Hypercoagulability: COVID-19 is associated with an increased risk of blood clot formation, which can lead to stroke. This is one presentation of Blood stasis in Chinese medicine.
Endothelial Dysfunction: The virus can damage the inner lining of blood vessels, leading to inflammation and clotting.
Cardiovascular Complications: COVID-19 can exacerbate underlying cardiovascular conditions, increasing the risk of stroke.
Neurological Disorders Beyond Stroke
Encephalopathy
COVID-19 has been linked to various forms of encephalopathy, including acute necrotizing encephalopathy and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. A study in The Lancet Neurology found that encephalopathy occurred in approximately 7% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)
Cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder where the body’s immune system attacks the nerves, have been reported in COVID-19 patients. A review in Brain documented multiple cases of GBS linked to COVID-19, suggesting a potential association.
Long-Term Cognitive Impairments
Many COVID-19 survivors report persistent cognitive impairments, often referred to as “brain fog.” A study published in Nature Neuroscience found that COVID-19 can lead to long-term cognitive deficits, potentially due to direct viral invasion of the brain, inflammatory responses, and hypoxia.
Research and Studies
Study on Stroke in COVID-19 Patients (JAMA Neurology)
This study evaluated the incidence and characteristics of stroke in COVID-19 patients across multiple centers. It highlighted that strokes were more likely to occur in patients with severe COVID-19 and were often associated with higher mortality rates.
Stroke Characteristics and COVID-19 (Stroke)
Researchers compared stroke characteristics in COVID-19 patients versus non-COVID-19 patients. They found that COVID-19 patients had more severe strokes, higher rates of large vessel occlusion, and worse outcomes.
Encephalopathy in COVID-19 (The Lancet Neurology)
This study provided an in-depth analysis of the neurological complications in COVID-19 patients, emphasizing the prevalence of encephalopathy and its impact on patient outcomes.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and COVID-19 (Brain)
This review summarized case reports and studies linking COVID-19 to GBS, discussing potential mechanisms and highlighting the need for further research.
Cognitive Impairments Post-COVID-19 (Nature Neuroscience)
This study explored the long-term cognitive effects of COVID-19, suggesting that the virus may cause lasting brain changes that contribute to cognitive deficits observed in survivors.
Implications for Healthcare
The increased prevalence of stroke and other neurological disorders in COVID-19 patients has several implications for healthcare:
Early Detection and Intervention: Healthcare providers should monitor for neurological symptoms in COVID-19 patients to ensure early detection and treatment. Chinese medicine tongue findings have been incorporated into the standard set of signs to look for in Western medicine settings (i.e. deviated tongue).
Rehabilitation Services: The growing number of patients with neurological complications highlights the need for comprehensive rehabilitation services such as Zhu’s Scalp Acupuncture to support recovery.
Research and Education: Continued research is essential to understand the mechanisms behind these complications and develop effective treatment strategies. Educating healthcare professionals about the neurological impacts of COVID-19 is also crucial.
Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic has not only caused widespread respiratory illness but has also led to an increased prevalence of stroke and other neurological disorders. Understanding the link between COVID-19 and these complications is essential for improving patient outcomes and developing effective treatment strategies.
Ongoing research and heightened awareness among healthcare providers are critical in addressing these challenges and supporting affected individuals. Early treatment courses as soon as possible following a COVID-19-related health event with Zhu’s Scalp Acupuncture and herbal medicine can improve outcomes.
References
- 1. Merkler, A. E., et al. (2020). Thromboembolic Stroke and COVID-19. JAMA Neurology, 77(11), 1366-1372.
- 2. Yaghi, S., et al. (2020). SARS-CoV-2 and Stroke in a New York Healthcare System. Stroke, 51(7), 2002-2011.
- 3. Paterson, R. W., et al. (2020). The emerging spectrum of COVID-19 neurology: clinical, radiological and laboratory findings. The Lancet Neurology, 19(6), 493-506.
- 4. Toscano, G., et al. (2020). Guillain–Barré Syndrome Associated with SARS-CoV-2. Brain, 143(7), 1877-1882.
- 5. Taquet, M., et al. (2021). Bidirectional associations between COVID-19 and psychiatric disorder. Nature Neuroscience, 24(4), 515-525.