Neurological complications after COVID-19: A narrative review

Ghazale Molaverdi, Zahra Kamal, Mahshid Safavi, Arman Shafiee, ... Mahdi Goudarzvand

• Article 100485
• https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensci.2023.100485
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• Abstract

  COVID-19 is primarily classified as a respiratory disorder; however, various neurological symptoms have been reported in COVID-19 patients. Neurological manifestations may be the initial signs of COVID-19 and can develop in patients of different age groups and with or without underlying disease. COVID-19 causes a broad range of complications in the central nervous system. These include headaches, altered mental status, dizziness, seizures, cerebrovascular events, encephalitis, and other encephalopathies. Moreover, a broad spectrum of peripheral nervous system symptoms such as olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions, neuropathy, visual impairments, neuralgia, cranial nerves palsy, and muscle involvement could manifest as symptoms. Despite various efforts, the exact pathogenesis of the COVID-19 neurological complications has not been clarified yet. Moreover, the reason for the development of neurological manifestation in only some COVID-19 patients has not been determined. This review focuses on the different neurological symptoms associated with COVID-19 and the possible pathological mechanisms hoping to provide new insights for diagnosis, therapies, or other forms of intervention.

Gender parity in high impact neurology journals

Dania Qaryouti, Omar Jibril, Floyd D. Silva, Priyanka Jain, ... Abu Baker Sheikh

• Article 100476
• https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensci.2023.100476
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• Abstract

  Although female representation has been growing among physicians, women continue to be underrepresented in neurology, particularly regarding academic research in authorship and leadership. Analyzing recent trends in high-impact neurology journals highlights the underrepresentation of women and helps explore barriers to female representation in academic neurology.

  Journal Citation Reports (JCR) for 2021 was used to screen neurology journals for selection. The first 15 journals with the highest impact factors (JIF) were included. 15,404 total articles in neurology were examined for gender distribution of editorial staff and authorship with the highest total citations from January 1st, 2018 to October 31st, 2021. Gender was classified using biographical information from public and personal media sources. Genderize.io was used in cases of ambiguity, predicting gender at probability of ≥95%. Our data demonstrated that these journals only had 13% female editor-in-chiefs and 35% female editorial staff. The data further demonstrated that females accounted for 39% of first authors and 26% for last authors. During the four years examined males continued to account for the vast majority of both first and last authors for publications accepted and journal editorial staff members.

  Women are significantly under-represented in the field of neurological research in leadership positions as editor-in-chiefs, editorial board members as well as first or senior authors in top neurology medical journals. With continued underrepresentation of women occupying leading publishing roles, parity with men is still a work in progress. Additional work is needed to identify and address barriers to academic advancement for women physicians in academic neurology.

Socio-cultural representation of epilepsy at the teaching hospital of point G, Mali

Th Coulibaly, O.A. Dicko, M. Sangaré, A.S. Sissoko, ... C.O. Guinto

• Article 100477
• https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensci.2023.100477
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• Abstract

  Epilepsy is a significant public health concern with psychosocial impacts, including fear, stigma, and misconceptions. These factors contribute to human rights violations and discrimination. The objective of this study was to describe the sociocultural representation of epilepsy in Mali.

  This cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out from April 2015 to November 2016 at the University Hospital of Point G. Patients with epilepsy were identified prospectively, and a questionnaire was administered to each patient and their parents.

  The sociocultural perception of epilepsy hinders evidence-based diagnosis and management in Africa. This study suggests a need to focus on raising awareness to change these misconceptions.

Blood pressure variability and early neurological outcomes in acute and subacute stroke in Southwestern Uganda

Nicholas Kulaba, Adrian Kayanja, Denis Serubiri, Mark Kaddu Mukasa, ... Anthony Muyingo

• Article 100482
• https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensci.2023.100482
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• Abstract

  Greater blood pressure variability has detrimental effects on clinical outcome after a stroke; its effects are controversial and have not been evaluated in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

  We conducted a prospective study of patients with CT head confirmed ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes admitted to a tertiary hospital within 7 days of onset of unilateral neurological deficits. Blood pressure variability indices, standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (CV) of systolic and diastolic blood pressure between day 0 and day 7, were calculated with a subsequent modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score on day 14 post-stroke. Linear regression was performed to determine the exponential coefficients of mortality at 14 days post- stroke.

  Exponential increase in Blood Pressure Variability (BPV) and stroke severity scale were independently associated with early mortality among all stroke patients in our study. We recommend future studies to evaluate whether controlling BPV among patients with stroke in Sub-Saharan Africa can reduce mortality.

Population-based stroke risk profile from a West-African community

Ifeoma Uchenna Onwuakagba, Emmanuel Chiebuka Okoye, Favour Chidera Kanu, Chukwuemeka Michael Kalu, ... Christopher Olusanjo Akosile

• Article 100483
• https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensci.2023.100483
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• Abstract

  To determine the stroke risk profile of dwellers of Nnewi community in Nigeria.

  This was a cross-sectional survey involving consecutively recruited community-dwelling adults without a previous history of stroke. The Modified Framingham Stroke Risk Score (MFSRS) was used to evaluate the stroke risk profile of the participants. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics at an alpha level of 0.05.

  According to MFSRS, the risk of stroke among the sampled community was minimal and was significantly influenced by their BMI, WC, WHR, gender, education, and occupation. However, results revealed that stroke risk might be higher in the population than was depicted by the MFSRS. Enlightenment on the risk of stroke is needed in the community.

Clinical characteristics of motor functional neurological disorder manifesting as limb weakness after vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019: A case series

Masayuki Ohira, Takashi Osada, Hiroaki Kimura, Terunori Sano, Masaki Takao

• Article 100487
• https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensci.2023.100487
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• Abstract

  The characteristics of functional limb weakness (FLW) as one of the manifestations of functional neurological disorder after vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remain controversial.

  In this descriptive case series, we aimed to elucidate the characteristics of Japanese patients with FLW who claimed muscle weakness after COVID-19 vaccination among patients who visited our outpatient clinic between 1 June 2021 and 31 December 2022.

  We describe the basic characteristics of FLW in Japanese patients after COVID-19 vaccination. Further recognition of these characteristics could aid the diagnosis of FLW by physicians allowing them to support these patients effectively.

High acceptability, convenience and reduced carbon emissions of tele-neurology outpatient services at a regional referral centre in Kenya

Fazal Abdulaziz Yakub, Jasmit Shah, Dilraj Singh Sokhi

• Article 100484
• https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensci.2023.100484
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• Abstract

  There is severe shortage of neurologists in sub-Saharan Africa. Tele-neurology consultations (TNC) can bridge this service gap, but there is very little published evidence on TNC in our setting, which we addressed through our study.

  We prospectively enrolled patients at our neurology outpatients from October 2020 to October 2021. We administered a post-TNC questionnaire which captured satisfaction/acceptability using Likert scales. A sub-group of participants who also did in-person consultations (IPC) were additionally administered post-IPC questionnaires. Statistical comparisons were made using the paired student t-test, and descriptive data expressed as median (inter-quartile range).

  Our study demonstrates that TNC is an acceptable, efficient, effective, and environmentally-sustainable care delivery model.

MRI-negative myelitis associated with MOG-IgG antibody: A case report and literature reviews

Jiwon Yang, Yeong-Bae Lee, Hyeon-Mi Park

• Article 100481
• https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensci.2023.100481
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• Abstract

  According to few case reports, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-associated disease (MOGAD) could present as myelitis subtype with normal spine MRI, though it is rare. Herein, we report a case of clinically myelitis but MRI was normal, with strongly positive anti-MOG-IgG antibody in the sera. The patient showed a rapid improvement following a high dose methylprednisolone treatment.

Unveiling Dandy-Walker syndrome: A surprising twist in the tale of acute hydrocephalus and Down syndrome child

Elie Fahed, Ali Msheik, Mohamad Yazbeck, Maya Rahal, ... Philippe Younes

• Article 100480
• https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensci.2023.100480
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• Abstract

  The correlation between Down syndrome and Dandy-Walker syndrome is an exceptionally uncommon occurrence. To date, only four cases have been documented. All previously reported cases involved individuals under the age of 37 months, with prenatal or birth diagnoses. Additionally, most of these cases displayed a limited life expectancy and experienced poor developmental outcomes. In this report, we present the first-ever instance of an 11-year-old male patient, previously undiagnosed with Dandy-Walker syndrome, who presented with acute intracranial hypertension. Magnetic Resonance Imaging revealed an active hydrocephalus caused by a Dandy-Walker malformation. The patient's condition was effectively managed through the implementation of a ventriculo-cysto-peritoneal shunt. This case highlights the coexistence of Dandy-Walker syndrome and Down syndrome in an asymptomatic young patient. Furthermore, it demonstrates that active hydrocephalus in such cases can be successfully addressed through either endoscopic third ventriculostomy or ventriculo-cysto-peritoneal shunt procedures.

Dandy-Walker syndrome associated with a giant occipital meningocele: A case report and a literature review

Ahmed Dheyaa Al-Obaidi, Ali Tarik Abdulwahid, Mustafa Najah Al-Obaidi, Abeer Mundher Ali, Hashim Talib Hashim

• Article 100486
• https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensci.2023.100486
• View PDF

• Abstract

  Dandy-Walker malformation or syndrome is the most common posterior fossa malformation. It is commonly associated with other congenital anomalies such as cardiac defects; however, association with a giant occipital meningocele is extremely rare, as only around 34 cases have been described.

  We report a case of a 2-month-old female infant who presented with a midline, gigantic mass in the back of the head. It was first discovered on a prenatal ultrasound. The mass measured about 15 × 5 cm, extending to the midback, not changing in size with crying, not attached to the back, and with a positive transillumination test. The diagnosis was confirmed after doing a brain computed tomography, which revealed hypoplasia of the vermis with an enlarged posterior fossa as well as cystic dilation of both ventricles with herniation through a bone defect.

  Our case highlights a rare association between giant occipital meningocele and Dandy-Walker syndrome that is rarely discussed or reported in the medical literature. By reporting this extremely rare case of Dandy-Walker syndrome associated with a giant occipital meningocele, we hope to contribute to the creation of a database for future research so that a management protocol can be established for use by clinicians and neurosurgeons for better management of the condition.

Nitrous oxide myelopathy: A pernicious contrast enhancement

Yachar Dawudi, Evangelia Pappa, Karolina Hankiewicz, Thomas De Broucker, Mickael Bonnan

• Article 100479
• https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensci.2023.100479
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Adding a chapter to the literature: A rare encounter of unilateral Moyamoya disease with ipsilateral persistent trigeminal artery

Marilhia Cornejo, Ramit Singla, Savdeep Singh, Cheran Elangovan, Balaji Krishnaiah

• Article 100478
• https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensci.2023.100478
• View PDF

• Abstract

  The coexistence of persistent trigeminal artery (PTA) and Moyamoya disease (MMD) has been reported. If their pathogenesis is related and if PTA is protective or harmful in MMD remains unknown as these are rare cerebrovascular anomalies.

  A 35-year-old woman with sudden global aphasia whose CT head and CT angiography of head and neck showed a hypodensity in the left posterior middle cerebral artery (MCA), a possible left proximal internal carotid artery occlusion, and a left PTA with hypoplasia of vertebral and basilar arteries. Digital subtraction angiography showed chronic MMD in the left MCA with extensive pial collateralization from anterior cerebral artery (ACA). The patient was initiated on single antiplatelet therapy and later she underwent direct bypass surgical intervention and rehabilitation.

  Our case report brings attention to the infrequent coexistence of ipsilateral MMD and PTA suggesting a potential congenital pathogenesis based on embryologic development and hemodynamics. Also, we propose a protective role of PTA in MMD in case of large anterior vessel occlusion. This case contributes to the scarce literature on the intriguing relationship between MMD and PTA.