New-Onset Movement Disorders Associated with COVID-19

Gaps and Controversies in Catatonia as a Movement Disorder

The term "catatonia" was introduced by German psychiatrist Karl Kahlbaum in 1874. Although historically tied to schizophrenia, catatonia exhibits a diverse range of phenotypes and has been observed in various medical and neuropsychiatric conditions. Its intrinsic movement characteristics and association with hypokinetic and hyperkinetic phenomenologies place catatonia within the purview of movement disorders. Despite the presence of catatonia in psychiatry literature for over 150 years, many gaps and controversies persist regarding its etiopathogenesis, phenomenology, diagnostic criteria, and treatment. The current versions of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) require clinicians to identify any three signs of 15 (ICD-11) or 12 (DSM-5) for the diagnosis of catatonia. Catalepsy and waxy flexibility are the only motor features with high specificity for the diagnosis. We highlight the gaps and controversies in catatonia as a movement disorder, emphasize the lack of a clear definition, and discuss the inconsistencies in the description of various catatonic signs. We propose the exploration of a bi-axial classification framework similar to that used for dystonia and tremor to encourage the evaluation of underlying etiologies and to guide therapeutic decisions to improve the outcome of these patients. © 2024 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

[Severe choreiform movement disorder following COVID-19]

Bár a SARS-CoV-2-fertőzés során elsődlegesen a cardiovascularis és légzőszervek érintettek, az utóbbi időben egyre nagyobb számban jelennek meg közlemények, melyek COVID–19-et követően fellépő változatos neurológiai tünetekről számolnak be. Jelen ismertetésünkben egy 54 éves férfi beteg esetét mutatjuk be, akinél közel három hónappal a súlyos tünetekkel járó COVID–19-et követően kifejezett choreiform mozgászavar jelent meg. Az eset kapcsán bemutatjuk a chorea lehetséges etiológiai tényezőit, valamint összegezzük a poszt-COVID-mozgászavarokat és feltételezett patogenezisüket. Orv Hetil. 2024; 165(29): 1130–1134.

Definition, diagnosis and classification of infection-related movement disorders: Consensus proposal

BACKGROUND

Infection-related movement disorders (IRMD) present a complex diagnostic challenge due to the broad phenotypic spectrum, the variety of possible infectious aetiologies, and the complicated underlying mechanisms. Yet, a comprehensive framework for classifying IRMD is lacking.

METHODS

An international consensus panel under the directives of the Movement Disorders Society Infection-Related Movement Disorders Study Group developed a comprehensive definition and a consensus classification system. Case scenarios were used for validation.

RESULTS

A definition for IRMD and a two-axis-based classification system consisting of six descriptors are proposed, intended as tools for researchers and clinicians. Collected information on clinical characteristics, investigational findings, the infectious organism and presumed pathogenesis facilitate the evaluation of diagnostic certainty.

CONCLUSION

The proposed framework will serve for optimised diagnostic algorithms, systematic aggregation of informative datasets across studies, and ultimately improved care and outcome of patients with IRMDs.

Prevalence and temporal relationship of clinical co-morbidities in idiopathic dystonia: a UK linkage-based study

While motor and psychiatric phenotypes in idiopathic dystonia are increasingly well understood, a few studies have examined the rate, type, and temporal pattern of other clinical co-morbidities in dystonia. Here, we determine the rates of clinical diagnoses across 13 broad systems-based diagnostic groups, comparing an overall idiopathic dystonia cohort, and sub-cohorts of cervical dystonia, blepharospasm, and dystonic tremor, to a matched-control cohort. Using the SAIL databank, we undertook a longitudinal population-based cohort study (January 1st 1994-December 31st 2017) using anonymised electronic healthcare records for individuals living in Wales (UK), identifying those diagnosed with dystonia through use of a previously validated algorithm. Clinical co-morbid diagnoses were identified from primary health care records, with a 10% prevalence threshold required for onward analysis. Using this approach, 54,166 dystonia cases were identified together with 216,574 matched controls. Within this cohort, ten of the main ICD-10 diagnostic codes exceeded the 10% prevalence threshold over the 20-year period (infection, neurological, respiratory, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, dermatological, musculoskeletal, circulatory, neoplastic, and endocrinological). In the overall dystonia cohort, musculoskeletal (aOR: 1.89, aHR: 1.74), respiratory (aOR: 1.84; aHR: 1.65), and gastrointestinal (aOR: 1.72; aHR: 1.6) disorders had the strongest associations both pre- and post-dystonia diagnosis. However, variation in the rate of association of individual clinical co-morbidities was observed across the cervical, blepharospasm, and tremor dystonia groups. This study suggests an increased rate of specific co-morbid clinical disorders both pre- and post-dystonia diagnosis which should be considered during clinical assessment of those with dystonia to enable optimum symptomatic management.

Recent advances in non-Huntington's disease choreas

INTRODUCTION

Chorea is primarily due to an imbalance of basal ganglia output pathways, often due to dysfunction or degeneration of the caudate nucleus and putamen, and can be due to many causes.

METHODS

We reviewed the recent literature to identify newly-recognized causes of chorea, including auto-immune, metabolic, and genetic. We also focused upon developments in mechanisms relating to underlying pathophysiology of certain genetic choreas and advances in therapeutics.

RESULTS

Novel autoantibodies continue to be identified as causes of chorea. Both COVID-19 infection and vaccination are reported to result rarely in chorea, although in some cases causality is not clearly established. Advances in genetic testing continue to find more causes of chorea, and to expand the phenotype of known genetic disorders. Deep brain stimulation can be successful in certain circumstances.

CONCLUSION

Our understanding of mechanisms underlying this movement disorder continues to advance, however much remains to be elucidated.

Overview of management of infection-related movement disorders with focus on specific-infections

Infections are important treatable causes of secondary movement disorders (MD) that can have heterogeneous presentations. According to various studies, infection-related movement disorders (IRMD) account for around 10-20% of secondary MD. Certain infections have a predilection for causing various MD, and some MD phenomenologies, such as acute cerebellar ataxia and opsoclonus-myoclonus-ataxia syndromes (OMAS), suggest a strong possibility of an underlying infectious cause. The underlying pathophysiology is multifaceted, including direct neuronal damage due to neurotropism, granulomas, abscesses causing structural damage, and inflammatory and autoimmune responses triggered by infections. Understanding the prevalence, spectrum, and pattern of these IRMD and common infections that are responsible helps in early diagnosis, and instituting appropriate, timely treatment, thereby improving the overall prognosis and avoiding unnecessary investigations. In this review, we aim to provide a brief overview of common infections associated with MD, common clinical presentations of IRMD, their underlying pathophysiology, and overall approach to their treatment, with a focus on specific treatments of prevalent and treatable IRMD.

Movement disorders associated with pediatric encephalitis

New onset movement disorders are a common clinical problem in pediatric neurology and can be infectious, inflammatory, metabolic, or functional in origin. Encephalitis is one of the more important causes of new onset movement disorders, and movement disorders are a common feature (~25%) of all encephalitis. However, all encephalitides are not the same, and movement disorders are a key diagnostic feature that can help the clinician identify the etiology of the encephalitis, and therefore appropriate treatment is required. Movement disorders are a characteristic feature of autoimmune encephalitis such as anti-NMDAR encephalitis, herpes simplex virus encephalitis-induced autoimmune encephalitis, and basal ganglia encephalitis. Other rarer autoantibody-associated encephalitis syndromes with movement disorder associations include encephalitis associated with glycine receptor, DPPX, and neurexin-3 alpha autoantibodies. In addition, movement disorders can accompany acute disseminated encephalomyelitis with and without myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibodies. Extremely important infectious encephalitides that have characteristic movement disorder associations include Japanese encephalitis, dengue fever, West Nile virus, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). This chapter discusses how specific movement disorder phenomenology can aid clinician diagnostic suspicion, such as stereotypy, perseveration, and catatonia in anti-NMDAR encephalitis, dystonia-Parkinsonism in basal ganglia encephalitis, and myoclonus in SSPE. In addition, the chapter discusses how the age of the patients can influence the movement disorder phenomenology, such as in anti-NMDAR encephalitis where chorea is typical in young children, even though catatonia and akinesia is more common in adolescents and adults.

The Possible Precipitating Role of SARS-CoV-2 in a Case of Late-Onset Hemichorea Due to a Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State: Case Report and Brief Literature Review

Case report: An 83-year-old Italian female developed postural instability and gait disturbance associated with a concomitant hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state. Brain CT and MRI scans detected a lesion in the right putamen due to metabolic derangement. A month later, the patient started suffering from choreic movements along the left side of the body with brachio-crural distribution, approximately three weeks after SARS-CoV-2 infection. She was treated with tetrabenazine with complete resolution of the aberrant movements. Any attempt to reduce tetrabenazine caused a relapse of the symptoms. Discussion: In diabetic patients, choreic syndrome should be considered a rare event with a benign prognosis and favorable response to treatment. It is the result of a condition known as "diabetic striatopathy". The association of new-onset choreic movements, an episode of hyperglycemia, and a basal ganglia lesion is suggestive of this condition. Its pathophysiology remains unclear, and a lot of hypotheses are still debated. SARS-CoV-2 might have played a role in triggering the patient's motor symptoms. Conclusions: Our case report agrees with the general features of those reported in the literature about movement disorders in diabetic patients. The late onset of symptoms and the poor response to treatment seem to be atypical characteristics of the syndrome. Although speculative, we cannot exclude the role of SARS-CoV-2. This case can be added to the literature for further studies and reviews.

NEURO-COVAX: An Italian Population-Based Study of Neurological Complications after COVID-19 Vaccinations

OBJECTIVE

In this Italian population-based study, we aimed to evaluate the neurological complications after the first and/or second dose of COVID-19 vaccines and factors potentially associated with these adverse effects.

METHODS

Our study included adults aged 18 years and older who received two vaccine doses in the vaccination hub of Novegro (Milan, Lombardy) between 7 and 16 July 2021. The NEURO-COVAX questionnaire was able to capture the neurological events, onset and duration. That data that were digitized centrally by the Lombardy region were used to match the demographic/clinical characteristics and identify a vulnerability profile. Associations between vaccine lines and the development of complications were assessed. Digital healthcare system matching was also performed to evaluate severe neurological complications (Guillain-Barrè syndrome, Bell's palsy, transverse myelitis, encephalitis) and the incidence of hospital admissions and/or the mortality rate after two doses of the vaccines.

RESULTS

The NEURO-COVAX-cohort included 19.108 vaccinated people: 15.368 with BNT162b2, 2077 with mRNA-1273, 1651 with ChAdOx1nCov-19, and 12 with Ad26.COV2.S who were subsequently excluded. Approximately 31.2% of our sample developed post-vaccination neurological complications, particularly with ChAdOx1nCov-19. A vulnerable clinical profile emerged, where over 40% of the symptomatic people showed comorbidities in their clinical histories. Defining the neurological risk profile, we found an increased risk for ChAdOx1nCov-19 of tremors (vs. BNT162b2, OR: 5.12, 95% CI: 3.51-7.48); insomnia (vs. mRNA-1273, OR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.02-3.39); muscle spasms (vs. BNT162b2, OR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.08-2.46); and headaches (vs. BNT162b2, OR: 1.49, 95% CI: 0.96-1.57). For mRNA-1273, there were increased risks of parethesia (vs. ChAdOx1nCov-19, OR: 2.37, 95% CI: 1.48-3.79); vertigo (vs. ChAdOx1nCov-19, OR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.20-2.35); diplopia (vs. ChAdOx1nCov-19, OR: 1.55, 95% CI: 0.67-3.57); and sleepiness (vs. ChAdOx1nCov-19, OR: 1.28, 95% CI: 0.98-1.67). In the period that ranged from March to August 2021, no one was hospitalized and/or died of severe complications related to COVID-19 vaccinations.

DISCUSSION

This study estimates the prevalence and risk for neurological complications potentially associated with COVID-19 vaccines, thus improving the vaccination guidelines and loading in future personalized preventive medicine.

Expanding Knowledge of the Causes of Childhood Chorea

INHERITED AND ACQUIRED CHOREAS

Paolo Claudio M. de Gusmao, Jeff L. Waugh Seminars in Pediatric Neurology Volume 25, April 2018, Pages 42-53 Chorea is a symptom of a broad array of genetic, structural, and metabolic disorders. While chorea can result from systemic illness and damage to diverse brain structures, injury to the basal ganglia, especially the putamen or globus pallidus, appears to be a uniting features of these diverse neuropathologies. The timing of onset, rate of progression, and the associated neurological or systemic symptoms can often narrow the differential diagnosis to a few disorders. Recognizing the correct etiology for childhood chorea is critical, as numerous disorders in this category are potentially curable, or are remediable, with early treatment.

Chorea following SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination: a systematic review of reported cases

OBJECTIVES

Chorea following SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination, has been increasingly recognized. We aimed to synthesize clinical and paraclinical characteristics, treatment responses, and outcomes of this neurologic complication.

METHODS

We systematically reviewed LitCOVID, the World Health Organization database on COVID-19, and MedRxiv up to March 2023, following a published protocol.

RESULTS

We included 14 chorea cases in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and eight following COVID-19 vaccination. Acute or subacute chorea preceded COVID-19 symptoms within 1-3 days or developed up to 3 months after infection. Frequently it was generalized (85.7%), with associated neurological manifestations (encephalopathy 35.7%; other movement disorders 7.1%). After vaccination, chorea had a sudden onset (87.5%) within 2 weeks (75%); 87.5% of cases presented hemichorea, with hemiballismus (37.5%) or other movement disorders; 12.5% presented additional neurological findings. Cerebrospinal fluid was normal in 50% of infected individuals but abnormal in all vaccinated cases. Brain magnetic resonance imaging detected normal basal ganglia in 51.7% of infection cases and 87.5% following vaccination.

CONCLUSION

In SARS-CoV-2 infection, chorea may present several pathogenic mechanisms: autoimmune response to infection, direct infection-related injury, or an infection-related complication (i.e., acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, hyperglycemia); also, previous Sydenham chorea may relapse. After COVID-19 vaccination, chorea could be due to an autoimmune reaction or other mechanisms (vaccine-induced hyperglycemia, stroke).

Catatonia after COVID-19 infection: scoping review

AIMS AND METHOD

Catatonia has been increasingly described in cases of COVID-19; we therefore aimed to investigate the evidence for catatonia in patients with COVID-19. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, BIN and CINAHL databases for articles published in English, from the initial descriptions of the COVID-19 pandemic to January 2022.

RESULTS

A total 204 studies were identified, 27 (13%) of which met the inclusion criteria. The evidence available was based on case reports. The articles included in this review identified a total of 42 patients, ranging from the ages of 12 to ≥70 years, with confirmed or possible catatonia during or after a COVID-19 infection.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

This review provides valuable information to clinicians in medical practice for treating patients with COVID-19, and a foundation for further research for this uncommon syndrome of COVID-19.

Recurrent Catatonia and Demyelinating Disorders

Catatonia, a neuropsychiatric syndrome characterized by psychomotor and behavioral symptoms, can be associated with various underlying conditions, including demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis. This paper presents a case study of a 47-year-old female with recurrent catatonic relapses and an underlying demyelinating disease. The patient exhibited symptoms of confusion, decreased oral intake, and difficulty with movement and speech. Neurological examinations, brain imaging, and laboratory tests were conducted to evaluate the etiology and guide treatment. The patient showed improvement with lorazepam and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). However, relapses occurred after the abrupt withdrawal of medication. The case study highlights the potential connection between demyelinating diseases and catatonia and emphasizes the importance of considering demyelinating diseases in the workup, treatment, and relapse prevention of catatonia. Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms underlying the relationship between demyelination and catatonia and to investigate how different etiologies may impact the recurrence rates of catatonic episodes.

Neurologic Complications of COVID-19

OBJECTIVE

This article describes the spectrum of neurologic complications occurring in acute or postacute infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as well as the neurologic risks and benefits of vaccination against SARS-CoV-2.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, reports of neurologic complications of COVID-19 began to surface. A variety of neurologic conditions have since been reported in association with COVID-19. Understanding of the underlying mechanism of COVID-19 neurologic involvement continues to evolve; however, the evidence seems to suggest that aberrant inflammatory responses may play a role. In addition to neurologic symptoms in acute COVID-19, neurologic post-COVID-19 conditions are increasingly recognized. The development of COVID-19 vaccines has been essential in preventing the spread of COVID-19. With increasing numbers of vaccine doses administered, various neurologic adverse events have been reported.

ESSENTIAL POINTS

Neurologists must be aware of the potential acute, postacute, and vaccine-associated neurologic complications associated with COVID-19 and be poised to serve as integral members of multidisciplinary care teams for patients with COVID-19-related conditions.

The changing face of reported status dystonicus - A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Status Dystonicus (SD) represents the most severe end of the spectrum of dystonia. We aimed to explore whether reported features of cases of SD have changed over time.

METHODS

A systematic review of cases of SD reported from 2017 to 2023 and comparison of features to data extracted from 2 previous literature reviews (epochs 2012-2017 and pre-2012).

RESULTS

From 53 papers, a total 206 SD episodes in 168 patients were identified from 2017 to 2023. Combining data from all 3 epochs, a total of 339 SD episodes were reported from 277 patients. SD episodes occurred mostly in children, with a trigger identified in 63.4% of episodes, most commonly infection/inflammation. Most reported underlying aetiologies were genetic (e.g. 49.5% between 2017 and 2023), including new associated aetiologies in each epoch. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)-related SD increased over time. Neurosurgical interventions were more frequently reported in later epochs. Across the epochs, return to or improvement post SD episode, compared to baseline was reported above 70%. Reported mortality was 4.9% most recently, compared to 11.4% and 7.9%, previously.

CONCLUSIONS

SD episodes reported have more than doubled in the last 5 years. Reports of medication change-induced SD have become less frequent, whilst episodes of DBS-related SD have become more frequent. More dystonia aetiologies, including novel aetiologies have been reported in recent cohorts, reflecting advances in genetic diagnosis. Neurosurgical interventions are increasingly reported in the management of SD episodes, including novel use of intraventricular baclofen. Overall outcomes from SD remain largely unchanged over time. No prospective epidemiological studies of SD were identified.

Evidence-based consensus guidelines for the management of catatonia: Recommendations from the British Association for Psychopharmacology

The British Association for Psychopharmacology developed an evidence-based consensus guideline on the management of catatonia. A group of international experts from a wide range of disciplines was assembled. Evidence was gathered from existing systematic reviews and the primary literature. Recommendations were made on the basis of this evidence and were graded in terms of their strength. The guideline initially covers the diagnosis, aetiology, clinical features and descriptive epidemiology of catatonia. Clinical assessments, including history, physical examination and investigations are then considered. Treatment with benzodiazepines, electroconvulsive therapy and other pharmacological and neuromodulatory therapies is covered. Special regard is given to periodic catatonia, malignant catatonia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome and antipsychotic-induced catatonia. There is attention to the needs of particular groups, namely children and adolescents, older adults, women in the perinatal period, people with autism spectrum disorder and those with certain medical conditions. Clinical trials were uncommon, and the recommendations in this guideline are mainly informed by small observational studies, case series and case reports, which highlights the need for randomised controlled trials and prospective cohort studies in this area.

Functional disorders as a common motor manifestation of COVID-19 infection or vaccination

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

There have been over 500 million confirmed cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), also known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), across the globe. To date, a broad spectrum of neurological manifestations following acute infections as well as COVID-19 vaccines have been reported. The aim of this study was to describe the spectrum of neurological manifestations seen in the 'COVID-19 clinic' established in a tertiary Movement Disorders clinic.

METHODS

In this consecutive case-series study over the period March 2020-January 2022, clinical information regarding demographic data, clinical history and examination findings, investigation results and video recordings of outpatients with motor manifestations associated with COVID-19 infection or vaccination were reviewed.

RESULTS

Twenty-one adult patients were reviewed in this ad hoc clinic at Toronto Western Hospital. The majority of the patients were female (76%) and the mean (range) age was 50.7 ± 17.2 (21-80) years. Nine patients (43%) presented with motor manifestations following COVID-19 infection. Twelve patients (57%) developed neurological symptoms following at least one dose of the mRNA or viral vector-based COVID-19 vaccine. The most common manifestation observed was a functional movement disorder (43%). The vaccine group demonstrated a higher number of functional disorders compared to the infection group (58% vs. 22%; p = 0.08).

CONCLUSION

Functional motor manifestations can be associated with COVID-19 and are likely to be under-reported. In view of the co-existence of functional symptoms, movement disorders and mental health conditions observed in this study, we would advocate the use of dedicated COVID-19 Neurology clinics with full access to an experienced multidisciplinary team.

Hemiballism and chorea with acute/subacute onset: a retrospective series

INTRODUCTION

Chorea is a hyperkinetic movement disorder with sudden, irregular, random, dance-like involuntary movements, and ballism is usually one-sided, high-amplitude movements at the proximal of the extremities. In the etiology of acute chorea/hemiballismus, it is necessary to distinguish drugs first and then focus on metabolic causes. The most important etiological causes that may provoke acute/subacute onset chorea/hemiballismus are hypo-hyperglycemia and electrolyte disorders. In this study, we aim to present 19 patients who were admitted to our clinic with movement disorder with acute/subacute onset and diagnosed with chorea/hemiballismus.

METHODS

The study was completed with 19 patients. Routine biochemistry, HbA1c level, hemogram, sedimentation, CRP, hepatitis panels, detailed infective parameters, HIV, vitamin B12 level, folate levels, and thyroid function tests were studied. All patients underwent neuro-imaging.

RESULTS

16(84.2%) were female and 3(15.8%) were male. The lowest age of the patients was 48 years, the highest age was 89 years, and the mean age was 72.21 years. Thirteen (68.42%) patients had a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus in their history. The blood glucose levels of these patients at the time of admission: the lowest was 99 mg/dl and the highest was 1200 mg/dl. HbA1c values of 11(84.61%) of the 13 patients were also found elevated. Thirteen (68.4%) patients had hemiballismus, 4(21.1%) patients had bilateral choreoathetosis in the four extremities, and 2(10.2%) patients had ballism limited to one upper extremity.

CONCLUSIONS

Chorea/hemiballismus is a movement disorder that is rare and can occur due to a wide range of etiologies. The most common metabolic cause is NKHHS.

Opsoclonus Myoclonus Ataxia Syndrome Due to SARS-CoV-2

Opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome (OMS)/opsoclonus myoclonus ataxia syndrome (OMAS), also known as Kinsbourne's syndrome or 'dancing eyes-dancing feet' syndrome, is a rare central nervous system manifestation of COVID-19 but an increasing number of articles have reported patients in whom COVID-19 was complicated by OMS/OMAS. This narrative review aims at summarising and discussing current knowledge about the clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and outcome of SARS-CoV-2 associated OMS/OMAS. Altogether, 29 articles reporting 45 patients with SARS-CoV-2 associated OMS/OMAS were retrieved. Their ages ranged from 2 to 88 years. Three patients were children and the remainder adults. Gender was male in 32 patients and female in 13 patients. Opsoclonus was described in 29 patients, which was associated with myoclonus in 28 cases. Myoclonus was described in 43 patients, which was associated with opsoclonus and ataxia in 18 patients. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging and cerebrospinal fluid investigations were not informative in the majority of the cases. OMS/OMAS was treated with steroids in 28 patients and with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in 15 patients. Clonazepam was given to 18 patients, levetiracetam to 13 patients, and sodium valproate to eight patients. Complete recovery was achieved in 12 cases and incomplete recovery in 22 cases. Diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 associated OMS/OMAS requires extensive neurological work up and exclusion of various differentials. SARS-CoV-2 associated OMS/OMAS may not always present with the full spectrum of manifestations but as an abortive syndrome. OMS/OMAS should not be missed as it usually responds favourably to steroids or IVIG.

Investigating neurological symptoms of infectious diseases like COVID-19 leading to a deeper understanding of neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease

Apart from common respiratory symptoms, neurological symptoms are prevalent among patients with COVID-19. Research has shown that infection with SARS-CoV-2 accelerated alpha-synuclein aggregation, induced Lewy-body-like pathology, caused dopaminergic neuron senescence, and worsened symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). In addition, SARS-CoV-2 infection can induce neuroinflammation and facilitate subsequent neurodegeneration in long COVID, and increase individual vulnerability to PD or parkinsonism. These findings suggest that a post-COVID-19 parkinsonism might follow the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to prevent a possible post-COVID-19 parkinsonism, this paper reviewed neurological symptoms and related findings of COVID-19 and related infectious diseases (influenza and prion disease) and neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer's disease, PD and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), and discussed potential mechanisms underlying the neurological symptoms and the relationship between the infectious diseases and the neurodegenerative disorders, as well as the therapeutic and preventive implications in the neurodegenerative disorders. Infections with a relay of microbes (SARS-CoV-2, influenza A viruses, gut bacteria, etc.) and prion-like alpha-synuclein proteins over time may synergize to induce PD. Therefore, a systematic approach that targets these pathogens and the pathogen-induced neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration may provide cures for neurodegenerative disorders. Further, antiviral/antimicrobial drugs, vaccines, immunotherapies and new therapies (e.g., stem cell therapy) need to work together to treat, manage or prevent these disorders. As medical science and technology advances, it is anticipated that better vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 variants, new antiviral/antimicrobial drugs, effective immunotherapies (alpha-synuclein antibodies, vaccines for PD or parkinsonism, etc.), as well as new therapies will be developed and made available in the near future, which will help prevent a possible post-COVID-19 parkinsonism in the 21st century.

TikTok Tourette's: Are We Witnessing a Rise in Functional Tic-Like Behavior Driven by Adolescent Social Media Use?

Perceptions of Tourette syndrome (TS) and tic disorders are often driven by social media. During the COVID-19 pandemic, social media consumption greatly increased, particularly in the adolescent population. In parallel with increased social media consumption, there has also been an increase in tic severity and functional tic-like behavior (FTLB). Given that many of the tic videos posted on social media are misleading, perpetuate false beliefs about TS, or reinforce tic-like behaviors, there is increasing concern that these videos are driving the rapid increase in FTLBs. Several studies have reviewed newly presenting cases of FTLB and have found shared characteristics, including that a higher proportion of affected individuals are female, there is a low proportion with a history of childhood or family tics, and symptom onset is typically acute and develops in the teenage years. In addition, the quality of the tics seen in association with FTLB mirrors many of the tics seen on popular social media channels, with higher rates of coprophenomena, tic attacks, and involvement of the trunk and extremities than is seen with typical tics. FTLBs are likely a specific subgroup of functional tics largely influenced by the portrayal of and growing popularity of functional tics posted on social media during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, several factors, including increased anxiety, social isolation, and social media use in general during the pandemic are likely also contributing factors to the surge of FTLBs seen recently. In this era of increased social media consumption, it will become increasingly important for clinicians to educate patients about where and how medical information is spread, to ensure the best possible diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes for patients.

Neurological consequences of COVID-19

In December 2019, cases of pneumonia caused by infection with the previously unknown severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), leading to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), were identified. Typical manifestations of COVID-19 are fever, cough, fatigue and dyspnoea. Initially, it was thought that the mechanism of action of SARS-CoV-2 was only associated with respiratory tract invasion, but it was later revealed that the infection might involve many other organs and systems, including the central and peripheral nervous systems. Neurological complications associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection include encephalopathy, encephalitis, meningitis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. In cases of peripheral nervous system involvement, smell and taste disorders, myopathy or the signs and symptoms of Guillain‒Barré syndrome are observed. The most common early neurological complications, particularly during the first year of the epidemic, were anosmia and taste disorders, which, according to some studies, occurred in over 80 percent of patients with COVID-19. The proportion of patients with serious neurological manifestations was small compared to the global number of patients, but the numbers of SARS-CoV-2 infections and critical patients increased substantially. The experience from 2 years of the pandemic has shown that approximately 13% of infected patients suffer from severe neurological complications. The relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and the nervous system is not only a cause of neurological complications in previously healthy individuals but also directly and indirectly affects the courses of many nervous system diseases.

Neurological Manifestations of SARS-CoV2 Infection: A Narrative Review

The COVID-19 virus frequently causes neurological complications. These have been described in various forms in adults and children. Headache, seizures, coma, and encephalitis are some of the manifestations of SARS-CoV-2-induced neurological impairment. Recent publications have revealed important aspects of viral pathophysiology and its involvement in nervous-system impairment in humans. We evaluated the latest literature describing the relationship between COVID-19 infection and the central nervous system. We searched three databases for observational and interventional studies in adults published between December 2019 and September 2022. We discussed in narrative form the neurological impairment associated with COVID-19, including clinical signs and symptoms, imaging abnormalities, and the pathophysiology of SARS-CoV2-induced neurological damage.

The onset of functional movement disorders after COVID-19: A case series

Patients with post-acute sequelae after coronavirus disease (COVID-19) report a variety of non-specific neurological complications (e.g., myoclonus, limb weakness). In particular, they manifest scenarios as medically unexplained symptoms and are known as functional movement disorders (FMDs). We present three cases of FMDs in patients of the Institute of Clinical Medicine named after N. V. Sklifosovsky (Sechenov University). All patients had a history of COVID-19 infection and reported fatigue, weakness, and jerks of upper and lower limbs. In conclusion, there might be a major possibility of the virus negatively affecting the central nervous system, including such rare neuropsychiatric complications.

Disproportionality analysis of adverse neurological and psychiatric reactions with the ChAdOx1 (Oxford-AstraZeneca) and BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) COVID-19 vaccines in the United Kingdom

BACKGROUND

Information on neurological and psychiatric adverse events following immunization (AEFIs) with COVID-19 vaccines is limited.

RESEARCH DESIGN & METHODS

We examined and compared neurological and psychiatric AEFIS reports related to BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) and ChAdOx1 (Oxford-AstraZeneca) COVID-19 vaccines and recorded in the United Kingdom Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency between 9/DEC/2020 and 30/JUN/2021.

RESULTS

As of 30/JUN/2021, 53.2 million doses of ChAdOx1 and 46.1 million doses of BNT162b2 had been administered. The most frequently reported AEFI was headache with 1,686 and 575 cases per million doses of ChAdOx1 and BNT162b2, respectively. AEFIs more frequently reported after CHAdOx1 compared with BNT162b2 vaccination were Guillain-Barré syndrome (OR, 95% CI= 2.53, 1.82-3.51), freezing (6.66, 3.12-14.22), cluster headache (1.53, 1.28-1.84), migraine (1.23,1.17-1.30), postural dizziness (1.24,1.13-1.37), tremor (2.86, 2.68-3.05), headache (1.40, 1.38-1.43), paresthesia (1.11, 1.06-1.16), delirium (1.85, 1.45-2.36), hallucination (2.20, 1.82-2.66), poor quality sleep (1.53, 1.26-1.85), and nervousness (1.54, 1.26-1.89) Reactions less frequently reported with ChAdOx1 than with BNT162b2 were Bell's palsy (0.47, 0.41-0.55), anosmia (0.58, 0.47-0.71), facial paralysis (0.35, 0.29-0.41), dysgeusia (0.68, 0.62-0.73), presyncope (0.48, 0.42-0.55), syncope (0.63, 0.58-0.67), and anxiety (0.75 (0.67-0.85).

CONCLUSION

Neurological and psychiatric AEFIs were relatively infrequent, but each vaccine was associated with a distinctive toxic profile.

COVID-19 and Parkinsonism: A Critical Appraisal

A few cases of parkinsonism linked to COVID-19 infection have been reported so far, raising the possibility of a post-viral parkinsonian syndrome. The objective of this review is to summarize the clinical, biological, and neuroimaging features of published cases describing COVID-19-related parkinsonism and to discuss the possible pathophysiological mechanisms. A comprehensive literature search was performed using NCBI’s PubMed database and standardized search terms. Thirteen cases of COVID-19-related parkinsonism were included (7 males; mean age: 51 years ± 14.51, range 31–73). Patients were classified based on the possible mechanisms of post-COVID-19 parkinsonism: extensive inflammation or hypoxic brain injury within the context of encephalopathy (n = 5); unmasking of underlying still non-symptomatic Parkinson’s Disease (PD) (n = 5), and structural and functional basal ganglia damage (n = 3). The various clinical scenarios show different outcomes and responses to dopaminergic treatment. Different mechanisms may play a role, including vascular damage, neuroinflammation, SARS-CoV-2 neuroinvasive potential, and the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on α-synuclein. Our results confirm that the appearance of parkinsonism during or immediately after COVID-19 infection represents a very rare event. Future long-term observational studies are needed to evaluate the possible role of SARS-CoV-2 infection as a trigger for the development of PD in the long term.

Clinical and Radiological Follow-Up of a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine-Induced Hemichorea-Hemiballismus; Insights Into Mechanisms of Basal Ganglia Dysfunction

Asymmetric chorea unrelated to structural lesions is typically due to systemic etiologies, such as metabolic, autoimmune, or other inflammatory disorders. This is an editorial commenting on a paper by Batot C, Chea M, Zeidan S, et al. Clinical and radiological follow up of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine-induced hemichorea-hemiballismus. Tremor and Other Hyperkinetic Movements; 2022; 12(1). DOI: https://doi.org/10.5334/tohm.688. A 90-year-old patient is reported who developed hemichorea shortly after his second vaccination against COVID-19. Hypometabolism was noted in the contralateral striatum. This case provides potential insights and raises questions about mechanisms of immune-mediated hemichorea.

Neurological Sequelae of COVID-19

BACKGROUND

Though primarily a pulmonary disease, Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus can generate devastating disease states that affect multiple organ systems including the central nervous system (CNS). The various neurological disorders associated with COVID-19 range in severity from mild symptoms such as headache, or myalgias to more severe symptoms such as stroke, psychosis, and anosmia. While some of the COVID-19 associated neurological complications are mild and reversible, a significant number of patients suffer from stroke. Studies have shown that COVID-19 infection triggers a wave of inflammatory cytokines that induce endothelial cell dysfunction and generate coagulopathy that increases the risk of stroke or thromboses. Inflammation of the endothelium following infection may also destabilize atherosclerotic plaque and induce thrombotic stroke. Although uncommon, there have also been reports of hemorrhagic stroke associated with COVID-19. The proposed mechanisms include a blood pressure increase caused by infection leading to a reduction in angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) levels that results in an imbalance of the renin-angiotensin system ultimately manifesting inflammation and vasoconstriction. Coagulopathy, as demonstrated by elevated prothrombin time (PT), has also been posited as a factor contributing to hemorrhagics stroke in patients with COVID-19. Other neurological conditions associated with COVID-19 include encephalopathy, anosmia, encephalitis, psychosis, brain fog, headache, depression, and anxiety. Though there are several hypotheses reported in the literature, a unifying pathophysiological mechanism of many of these disorders remains unclear. Pulmonary dysfunction leading to poor oxygenation of the brain may explain encephalopathy and other disorders in COVID-19 patients. Alternatively, a direct invasion of the CNS by the virus or breach of the blood-brain barrier by the systemic cytokines released during infection may be responsible for these conditions. Notwithstanding, the relationship between the inflammatory cytokine levels and conditions such as depression and anxiety is contradictory and perhaps the social isolation during the pandemic may in part be a contributing factor to some of the reported CNS disorders.

OBJECTIVE

In this article, we review the current literature pertaining to some of the most significant and common neurological disorders such as ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, encephalopathy, encephalitis, brain fog, Long COVID, headache, Guillain-Barre syndrome, depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders in the setting of COVID-19. We summarize some of the most relevant literature to provide a better understanding of the mechanistic details regarding these disorders in order to help physicians monitor and treat patients for significant COVID-19 associated neurologic impairments.

METHODS

A literature review was carried out by the authors using PubMed with the search terms "COVID-19" and "Neurology", "Neurological Manifestations", "Neuropsychiatric Manifestations", "Stroke", "Encephalopathy", "Headache", "Guillain-Barre syndrome", "Depression", "Anxiety", "Encephalitis", "Seizure", "Spasm", and "ICUAW". Another search was carried out for "Long-COVID" and "Post-Acute COVID-19" and "Neurological Manifestations" or "Neuropsychiatric Manifestations". Articles such as case reports, case series, and cohort studies were included as references. No language restrictions were enforced. In the case of anxiety and depression, attempts were made to focus mainly on articles describing these conditions in infected patients.

RESULTS

A total of 112 articles were reviewed. The incidence, clinical outcomes, and pathophysiology of selected neurological disorders are discussed below. Given the recent advent of this disease, the incidence of certain neurologic sequelae was not always available. Putative mechanisms for each condition in the setting of COVID-19 are outlined.

Movement Disorders Induced by SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Protocol for a Scoping Review

Infections are a significant cause of movement disorders. The clinical manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection are variable, with up to one-third of patients developing neurologic complications, including movement disorders. This scoping review will lay out a comprehensive understanding of movement disorders induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection. We aim to investigate the epidemiology, clinical and paraclinical features, interventions, and diagnostic challenges in patients with different types of movement disorders in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection. We will search three databases applying appropriate search terms. Inclusion and exclusion criteria are pre-defined; the data of eligible studies will be extracted in standardized forms. We will report the results following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). We will present information for clinicians and other healthcare professionals, policymakers, and public health researchers. In addition, the results of the present review may assist in the development and confirmation of inclusion criteria and research questions for further systematic review or meta-analysis, with more precise, narrower questions.

A Peek into Pandora’s Box: COVID-19 and Neurodegeneration

Ever since it was first reported in Wuhan, China, the coronavirus-induced disease of 2019 (COVID-19) has become an enigma of sorts with ever expanding reports of direct and indirect effects of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on almost all the vital organ systems. Along with inciting acute pulmonary complications, the virus attacks the cardiac, renal, hepatic, and gastrointestinal systems as well as the central nervous system (CNS). The person-to-person variability in susceptibility of individuals to disease severity still remains a puzzle, although the comorbidities and the age/gender of a person are believed to play a key role. SARS-CoV-2 needs angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor for its infectivity, and the association between SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2 leads to a decline in ACE2 activity and its neuroprotective effects. Acute respiratory distress may also induce hypoxia, leading to increased oxidative stress and neurodegeneration. Infection of the neurons along with peripheral leukocytes’ activation results in proinflammatory cytokine release, rendering the brain more susceptible to neurodegenerative changes. Due to the advancement in molecular biology techniques and vaccine development programs, the world now has hope to relatively quickly study and combat the deadly virus. On the other side, however, the virus seems to be still evolving with new variants being discovered periodically. In keeping up with the pace of this virus, there has been an avalanche of studies. This review provides an update on the recent progress in adjudicating the CNS-related mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection and its potential to incite or accelerate neurodegeneration in surviving patients. Current as well as emerging therapeutic opportunities and biomarker development are highlighted.

Disorders of Movement due to Acquired and Traumatic Brain Injury

Purpose of Review

Both traumatic and acquired brain injury can result in diffuse multifocal injury affecting both the pyramidal and extrapyramidal tracts. Thus, these patients may exhibit signs of both upper motor neuron syndrome and movement disorder simultaneously which can further complicate diagnosis and management. We will be discussing movement disorders following acquired and traumatic brain injury.

Recent Findings

Multiple functions including speech, swallowing, posture, mobility, and activities of daily living can all be affected. Medical treatment and rehabilitation-based therapy can be especially challenging due to accompanying cognitive deficits and severity of the disorder which can involve multiple limbs in addition to muscles of the face and axial skeleton. Tremor and dystonia are the most reported movement disorders following traumatic brain injury. Dystonia and myoclonus are well documented following hypoxic ischemic brain injuries. Electrophysiological studies such as dynamic surface poly-electromyography can assist with identifying phenomenology, especially differentiating between jerk-like phenomenon and help guide further work up and management. Management with medications remains challenging due to potential adverse effects. Surgical interventions including stereotactic surgery, deep brain stimulation, and intrathecal baclofen pumps have been reported, but most of the evidence supporting them has been limited to primarily case reports except for post-traumatic tremor.

Summary

Brain injury can lead to motor disorders, movement disorders, visual (processing) deficits, and vestibular deficits which often coexist with cognitive deficits making it challenging to treat and rehabilitate these patients. Unfortunately, the evidence regarding the medical management and rehabilitation of brain injury patients with movement disorders is sparse and leaves much to be desired.

New-Onset Movement Disorders in COVID-19: Much Ado about Nothing?

This is an editorial commenting on the paper by Brandão and colleagues [Brandão PRP, Grippe TC, Pereira DA, Munhoz RP, Cardoso F. New-Onset Movement Disorders Associated with COVID-19. Tremor and Other Hyperkinetic Movements. 2021; 11(1): 26. DOI: http://doi.org/10.5334/tohm.595]