Immediate and Long-Term Neurological Complications Post COVID-19 Infection and Their Association with Co-Morbidities: A Cross-Sectional Study

Context: Coronavirus has impacted the health of the world’s population. Multiple neurological manifestations have been reported in post infectious phase. The association between the virus and nervous system is unpredictable. This infection is mostly followed by a number of short term and long-term complications.1 Aims: To find the immediate and long-term neurological complications in individuals post COVID-19 infection. Settings and Design: Cross sectional study conducted in community setting Method: 720 individuals post covid-19 infection were analysed for neurological complications. The association between the neurological complications and the co-morbidities was studied. The data was analysed using descriptive statistical analysis. The association between the co-morbidities and the neurological complications in individuals with post COVID-19 infection was derived by using Chi – square test. Results: The immediate and long-term neurological complications were found in 6.38 % and 3.34 % post COVID-19 individuals respectively. GBS, stroke, vision/speech disturbances, memory loss etc. were observed in individuals post COVID-19 infection. Association of diabetes and hypertension was seen with presence of neurological symptoms with χ2= 121.05 (p= 0.0001) and 62.585 (p= 0.0001) respectively. Conclusions: The immediate and long-term neurological complications seen in post COVID-19 individuals were GBS, stroke, vision disturbances etc. An association found between co-morbidities like Diabetes Mellitus and/or Hypertension with the neurological complications post COVID-19 infection. Key words: post covid-19 infection, neurological manifestations, diabetes, hypertension