Ali Azargoonjahromi*
* Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 virus—the virus causes COVID-19 infection—can via sundry
mechanisms shrink the various areas of the brain. The published evidence to date indicates that the virus can enter the
central nervous system (CNS) through sundry ways such as the olfactory nerve or hematogenous
route. The virus can influence neurons and glial cells such as astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia, thereby impeding their normal functions. The results of such impediments are some adverse effects reported, namely agitation, altered consciousness, headaches,
dizziness, brain fog, and mental disorders. It also can induce neurodegenerative disorders via triggering demyelination and other risk factors. To lessen the time of recovery or treat COVID-19 infection, many drugs have been
investigated thus far. Of these, Paxlovid
has been approved by FDA. It reduces not only the chance of
hospitalization or death from a coronavirus infection but also the risk
of long-term sickness. Herein several mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 virus
affects the brain cells, neurons and glial cells, will be discussed.
Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; Infection; Central Nervous
System; Neuron