Dr. Manik Mahajan, Senior Consultant Neurologist, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Amritsar
Coronavirus or COVID-19 has affected many people around the world and is now a major global health threat. The impact of the new coronavirus on various organs is not fully understood. Until a definitive and approved cure or vaccine is found, a better understanding of the Covid-19 mechanism leading to organs failure would help to identify strategies and/or therapeutically treatment options for the infection. The virus can cause complicated disorders in the nervous system, such as seizures and epilepsy. The destructive effects of Covid-19 in the central nervous system are mainly caused by a cytokine storm produced by either the entry of pro-inflammatory cytokines from the periphery into the CNS or the production of these cytokines by activated microglia. Secondary seizures may be initiated after strokes, electrolyte imbalance, increased oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction in Covid-19 patients.
Factors May Increase Risk from COVID-19 for Person with Epilepsy
Regardless of seizure control, some people may have other health conditions that put them at higher risk from COVID-19. They may be taking medicines to control seizures that also affect their immune system. It is important to note that most seizure medicines do not affect the immune system. Other neurological or developmental issues can affect immunity. People in these situations are at greater risk of developing more severe symptoms with viral illnesses. Other medical problems could place someone at higher risk of developing more severe symptoms with COVID-19, such as those with: