The pathophysiology and diagnostics of post-acute SARS COVID-19 infection of the CNS
OA Version
Citation
Abstract
With the latest pandemic involving SARS COVID-19, there are still many questions about the complicated chronic conditions that patients experience after initial infection. To address this emerging patient population and unify the scientific and medical community, the NIH has adopted the term post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) (Vehar et al., 2021). This thesis seeks to address Central nervous system (CNS) manifestations stemming from infection of SARS COVID-19 as it pertains to their pathologies, clinical presentations, diagnostics, and lastly hopeful preventative measures and treatments. To do so, this literature review will initially detail the underlying virus, SARS-CoV-2, and hypothesized infective mechanisms that trigger the COVID-19 infection and thus elaborating on the intricate host immune response. This background information will provide the backdrop for the subsequent clinical symptoms and pathophysiology that have been documented. With the looming problem of this patient population overburdening and confounding the medical system, this paper will then summarize the current diagnostic tools to identify the at-risk populations and current PASC patients. Lastly, the latest preventative and therapeutic measures will be detailed to support efforts in the creation of a more standardized approach in addressing this patient population. With this accumulation of literature, the intention is to create a composite of approaches to research, clinical diagnostics and care for patients affected by neurological PASC.
Description
License
Attribution 4.0 International