Autoimmune disorders that affect the brain can take many forms beyond the most well-known example of multiple sclerosis (MS). Autoimmune encephalitis and autoimmune epilepsy can also occur, but like MS, their etiology is unknown. It has been suggested that autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, among others, may be triggered by viral infections in addition to other environmental factors and genetic factors (Toussirot and Roudier, 2008). In light of these considerations, we must be vigilant for autoimmune disorders linked to SARS-CoV-2 infection. A case report published …
Alzheimer’s Association Announces International Brain Study on SARS-CoV-2 Impact on the Brain
At its recent international conference in late July 2020, the Alzheimer’s Association has announced an international study to evaluate the long-term impact of SARS-CoV-2 on brain cognition and function, with some focus on how the virus may affect Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias. This study is also being coordinated by the University of Texas Health San Antonio and will involve representatives from over 25 countries and technical guidance from the World Health Organization. This study will enroll two groups. The first is people with confirmed cases of COVID-19 that have been …
Lesions in Corpus Callosum Precede Respiratory Manifestations of COVID-19
Losing one’s sense of smell and taste is now well-established as an early sign of SARS-CoV-2 infection - to this point (and my chagrin), I must attest to the fact that I have not experienced these symptoms every morning to get clearance to enter my building at work. Unfortunately, a case study from France has revealed that other, more disturbing neurological symptoms may precede respiratory symptom onset. Writing in the Journal of Neurology, Forestier et al. describe the case of a 55-year old man who presented to clinic with a headache and fever of 100.7° F (Forestier et al., 2020). Blood …