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Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency, type, and associated determinants of neurological symptoms
among covid19 patients.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 161 doctors from different Iraqi cities using
online questionnaires. They were provided information about their documented case. Data were
collected from the 1st to 30th of October 2020. The questionnaire consists of 2 parts, first part concerns
sociodemographic data of patients (age, gender, and severity of COVID-19 infection), while the second
part deals with details of COVID-19 neurological symptoms. Data were stored and analyzed using
SPSS version 24.
Results: A total of 161 COVID-19 cases were described in this study. Headache was found in 120
patients (74.5%); loss of smell in 108 patients (67.1%); and loss of taste in 86 patients (53.4%). It was
found that ataxia more predominant in females (34.0%) than males (17.9%), statistically, there was a
significant difference(P=0.024). Sever COVID-19 disease showed a significantly higher presentation
of vertigo, hearing loss, loss of smell, disturbance of level of consciousness, sensory symptoms, motor
symptoms, and stroke (p<0.05). Statistical analysis showed a significantly higher presentation of
disturbance in level of consciousness, and stroke symptoms in patients older than 40 years(P<0.05).
Conclusion: Different neurological presentations are reported fromCOVID-19 cases. Headache, loss
of smell, and taste are the most frequent symptoms. Some neurological manifestations are found more
predominant in females, older age, and severe cases.