COVID-19 encephalitis with SARS-CoV-2 detected in cerebrospinal fluid presenting as a stroke mimic

We report the case of a 35-year-old male with COVID-19 encephalitis presenting as a stroke mimic with sudden-onset expressive and receptive dysphasia, mild confusion and right arm incoordination. The patient received thrombolysis for a suspected ischaemic stroke, but later became febrile and SARS-CoV-2 was detected in cerebrospinal fluid. Electroencephalography demonstrated excess in slow waves, but neuroimaging was reported as normal. Respiratory symptoms were absent throughout and nasopharyngeal swab was negative for SARS-CoV-2.

Source: Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases - May 30, 2021 Category: Neurology Authors: Diarmuid Glavin, Denise Kelly, Greta Karen Wood, Beth MS McCausland, Mark Alexander Ellul, Aravinthan Varatharaj, Ian Galea, Rhys Huw Thomas, Benedict Daniel Michael, Brian Gallen, CoroNerve Study Management Group Tags: Case Report Source Type: research