Focal seizures with impaired awareness as long-term neurological complication of COVID-19: a case report

Neurol Sci. 2021 Jul;42(7):2619-2623. doi: 10.1007/s10072-021-05233-y. Epub 2021 Apr 16.

Abstract

We report here the first case of a young individual otherwise healthy, who presented with frequent focal seizures with impaired awareness as a possible long-term complication of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 infection. Seizures were documented by electroencephalography and responded clinically and neuro-physiologically to antiseizure therapy. The patient underwent an extensive investigation including cerebrospinal fluid examination, conventional and quantitative brain magnetic resonance imaging, and 18-FDG positron emission tomography. Beyond the clinical interest, this case contributes to clarify the possible pathways by which SARS-CoV-2 may enter the central nervous system and cause long-term neurological complications.

Keywords: COVID-19; Encephalitis; Epilepsy; Focal seizures with impaired awareness.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Electroencephalography
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Seizures / drug therapy
  • Seizures / etiology