Multiple Sclerosis Following SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Apart from respiratory manifestations, COVID-19 can affect the nervous system due to its neurotropic features. Neurological manifestations and complications include headache, polyneuropathies, cerebrovascular accidents, seizures, encephalopathy, and demyelinating disease. We describe a case of multiple sclerosis, a demyelinating disease following COVID-19 infection, rarely reported in the literature. A 47-year-old female presented with fatigue, blurry vision, numbness, and signs of upper motor neuron lesions that had occurred three weeks after COVID-19 infection. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed demyelinating lesions in the periventricular area of both hemispheres, suggesting a demyelinating disease. A provisional diagnosis of multiple sclerosis was made. Her condition improved after the commencement of methylprednisolone.