Manifestações neurológicas da síndrome pós-COVID-19

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Even after its acute phase, COVID-19 (a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus) can cause persistent symptoms in some patients. This condition is known as long COVID-19. Neurological manifestations can be observed and should be assessed in order to characterize their impact on patients' lives. OBJECTIVES: Conduct a systematic review on the neurological impacts of long COVID-19. METHODOLOGY: This is a systematic review based on scientific articles, where the PRISMA guidelines were used for better study dynamics. The following databases were used for data collection: Virtual Health Library (BVS), PubMed and SciELO. The research was carried out with articles published in the last 5 years (2020-2025), and carried out with the following descriptors: “Long COVID-19”, “Neurological Manifestations” and "Cognitive Disorders”. RESULTS: This study aimed to identify the neurological manifestations of long COVID-19, its prevalence, persistent symptoms and impacts on patients' functionality and quality of life. The analysis of 18 articles allowed mapping the main clinical signs, possible pathophysiological mechanisms and challenges in diagnosis and management. The findings reveal the complexity of post-COVID neurological conditions, highlighting gaps in the scientific literature and the need for specific clinical strategies and public policies for this condition. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The review showed that neurological manifestations of long COVID-19, such as fatigue, headache, and cognitive dysfunction, are prevalent and debilitating, even in mild cases. These symptoms result from processes such as persistent inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. Clinical heterogeneity and the lack of diagnostic markers make it difficult to adequately approach the disease. The need for integrated care strategies with an interdisciplinary approach, continuous rehabilitation, and inclusion of the condition in public health policies is highlighted.