Neurologist’s role during the SARS-COV-2 pandemic

Purpose
The article discusses the role of a neurologist during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic with the aim of spreading the knowledge about possible neurological symptoms of COVID-19 among physicians.

Views
COVID-19, caused by SARS-COV-2, is a new, highly contagious pandemic disease transmitted mainly by way of respiratory droplets. The virus mostly attacks the respiratory system, although in some cases, the nervous system is also affected. Either right at the outset of the disease or in its later stages, patients with COVID-19 may develop neurological symptoms. Smell and/or taste problems and myopathy are the initial symptoms observed even without the coexistence of respiratory complaints. Patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 may also experience acute cerebrovascular events. Hypertension and diabetes stand out as the most common comorbidities but many patients also have coexisting neurological disorders. Neurologists may come into contact with infected patients while working in outpatient clinics, emergency rooms or hospital wards.

Conclusions
The awareness of SARS-COV-2’s neurotropism helps neurologists make a correct diagnosis early in a course of disease and apply isolation in order to prevent the deterioration of clinical symptoms and prevent further transmission of the virus. Close cooperation between neurologists and specialists in infectious diseases is the basic form of care for SARS-CoV-2 infected patients with concomitant neurological diseases. NeuroCovid units that provide care for such patients might be coming in our near future.