Central Nervous System Infection by SARS-CoV-2 and Neuropsychiatric Consequences Related to Disease Caused by the Virus: A Review

Abstract

The COVID-19 virus infects the body, preferably by inhalation, reaching the Central Nervous System through the olfactory pathways, characterizing a primary infection. The Central Nervous System (CNS) can also be affected when the virus spreads hematogenously and crosses the blood-brain barrier. The brain tissue damage caused by the pathogen can occur directly, with the injury caused by the direct contact of the virus with neuronal cells, or indirectly, through the activation of inflammatory and thrombotic pathways due to the entry of the pathogen into the body. Endothelial dysfunction is potential for brain complications and can have neuropsychiatric consequences, both during the course of the disease and after its remission. The objective of the present literature review was to associate Central Nervous System Infection by SARS-CoV-2 with possible neuropsychiatric consequences caused by the pathological process caused by the virus. In addition to the organic factor involved, such consequences may also be related to psychosomatic processes, involving post-traumatic stress, fear and grief of individuals when facing these issues during the pandemic.