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Published on 13 October 2020
doi: 10.3310/alert_41964
People aged under 60 who are hospitalised with COVID-19 are more likely than expected to experience severe psychiatric symptoms. Research found that altered mental states such as psychosis are being reported in these younger patients. It confirmed that strokes and other neurological symptoms are common in severe COVID-19.
An initial study included 153 cases reported by stroke physicians, neurologists and psychiatrists in the UK in April 2020. It found that most strokes occurred in people aged over 60. But about half the cases of altered mental state such as psychosis or swelling of the brain (encephalitis) were in younger people.
These complications may reflect damage to the brain and nervous system caused by the coronavirus. In the study, 'altered mental state' included any sudden change in personality, behaviour, thinking abilities, or consciousness. Neurological symptoms included any symptoms involving the nerves or muscles. Strokes included blood clots or bleeds in the brain.
Published on 13 October 2020
doi: 10.3310/alert_41964
People aged under 60 who are hospitalised with COVID-19 are more likely than expected to experience severe psychiatric symptoms. Research found that altered mental states such as psychosis are being reported in these younger patients. It confirmed that strokes and other neurological symptoms are common in severe COVID-19.
An initial study included 153 cases reported by stroke physicians, neurologists and psychiatrists in the UK in April 2020. It found that most strokes occurred in people aged over 60. But about half the cases of altered mental state such as psychosis or swelling of the brain (encephalitis) were in younger people.
These complications may reflect damage to the brain and nervous system caused by the coronavirus. In the study, 'altered mental state' included any sudden change in personality, behaviour, thinking abilities, or consciousness. Neurological symptoms included any symptoms involving the nerves or muscles. Strokes included blood clots or bleeds in the brain.