Neurological oro-facial manifestations of COVID-19: A scoping review

Abstract

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 is a single-stranded RNA-enveloped virus. It was the principal causative agent for the global pandemic of COVID-19. Amongst the plethora of systemic and orofacial manifestations from COVID-19 disease as well as anti-SARS-CoV 2 vaccines the neurological presentations in the orofacial region have been peculiar. This systematic review aims to pen down the same along with understanding their association with viral agent and it’s vaccines.

Methodology: The research was carried out by electronic searching of database records from December 2019 till December 2023.

Results: This review observed neurological manifestations in the oro-facial region due to COVID-19 disease and anti-SARS-CoV 2 vaccines. The most commonly observed manifestations were trigeminal neuralgia from the COVID disease and Bell’s palsy from the COVID vaccines. The reported number of cases came out to be 6% for bell’s palsy, 90% for trigeminal neuralgia, 1.50% glossopharyngeal neuralgia and 0.01% cases of headaches secondary to neuralgias.

Conclusion: Neurological symptoms are usually associated patients with COVID-19. Trigeminal neuralgia was the most commonly observed neurological symptom in this disease. A deeper insight would enhance oral physicians’ preparedness to improve the screening for accurate diagnosis, appropriate management and concise reporting to the Ministry of Health and Family welfare.