NIHR: Brain and nerve complications are more common than expected in younger patients with severe COVID-19 (13 October 2020)

Summary

People aged under 60 who are hospitalised with COVID-19 are more likely than expected to experience severe psychiatric symptoms. Research found that altered mental states such as psychosis are being reported in these younger patients. It confirmed that strokes and other neurological symptoms are common in severe COVID-19.

The authors are gathering and analysing more detailed clinical information about the patients reported in this study, and others reported since (540 are now included). They are seeking funding for a further study to include more clinical investigations such as analysis of spinal fluid, blood and brain imaging.

Author Benedict Michael is co-chairing a World Health Organization commissioned task force which will consider how to use the information from the ongoing research project in guidance for clinicians. The task force will consider whether people with new-onset altered mental state or another acute neurological problem should be tested for COVID-19. Some patients with few respiratory signs present with this symptom. They will consider which tests and investigations people with COVID-19 and neurological symptoms should undergo. Doctors need to be sure COVID-19 is the cause of the symptoms, and to know how patients should be managed.