Nervous system involvement after infection with COVID-19 and other coronaviruses

Highlights

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  Coronoviruses not only affect the respiratory system, but also have deleterious effects on the central nervous system.

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  Most neurological diseases could be caused by coronoviruses invasion.

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  Coronoviruses cause nerve damage via diverse pathways.

Abstract

Viral infections have detrimental impacts on neurological functions, and even to cause severe neurological damage. Very recently, coronaviruses (CoV), especially severe acute respiratory syndrome CoV 2 (SARS-CoV-2), exhibit neurotropic properties and may also cause neurological diseases. It is reported that CoV can be found in the brain or cerebrospinal fluid. The pathobiology of these neuroinvasive viruses is still incompletely known, and it is therefore important to explore the impact of CoV infections on the nervous system. Here, we review the research into neurological complications in CoV infections and the possible mechanisms of damage to the nervous system.