Journal of Pediatric Care

Neurological Manifestations of COVID in Children

31^st International Conference on Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Nursing
January 28-29, 2022 | Webinar

Sheila Joyce Asghar

Louisiana State University Health, USA

ScientificTracks Abstracts: Jour of Pedi Ca

Abstract

From the start of the pandemic when the first case was identified in Wuhan, China; the SARS-CoV-2 virus has spread rapidly throughout the world with high morbidity and mortality rates. Most of the cases affected were adults however a milder version was noted in children. As the pandemic continues it has become apparent that children can manifest not only respiratory symptoms but also acute-phase and delayed-phase SARS-CoV-2-related CNS abnormalities. These manifestations have been primarily described in case reports making it difficult to appreciate the full spectrum of the disease in pediatric patients. Imaging findings seen in these children ranged from post infectious immune-mediated acute disseminated encephalomyelitis- like changes, myelitis, myositis to cranial nerve enhancement in the absence of symptoms; less common were cerebrovascular complications. Others reported headache and seizures in addition to the more common fever symptoms. The long-term impact on neurodevelopmental domains however is unclear. Additionally, patients with previous neurological diseases and their manifestations post COVID infection is emerging. Recognizing these neurological trends in our pediatric patients are important for effective and management in an efficient and timely manner.