Clinical and demographic features of Covid-19 positive cases in neurological rehabilitation facility

Abstract

Introduction. The Covid-19 pandemics require rethinking the rehabilitation plan for people who suffer from neurological conditions. Despite prophylactic measures, some sporadic cases can also occur in rehabilitation facilities, which makes patients with neurological disabilities more vulnerable. Aim of study. The aim of our study is to observe the main clinical characteristics of Covid-19 positive patients that underwent rehabilitation for neurological conditions. Methods and materials. A number of 9 Covid-19 positive cases were registered in the database of the neurorehabilitation department from Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery. An analysis of demographic data, and clinical features was performed in order to determine neurological deficits and comorbidities of patients admitted for rehabilitation. Results. Among the studied cases 5 were males and 6 females with a mean age of 56,44 (from 18 to 79) years. The mean period of hospitalization of 7,8 days, with further transfer to Covid-19 specialize. The main cause of hospitalization was stroke in 5 cases (3 hemorrhagic and 2 ischemic), 2 cases of traumatic brain injury, 1 case of brain arteriovenous malformation, and 1 case of cerebral tumor. The most common neurological deficits were hemi or tetra-paresis, and cognitive disorders. Among the comorbidities that were present in positive Covid-19 tested patients were hypertension, diabetics and urinary infections. Conclusion. Isolated positive Covid-19 cases among people can occur in spite of measures of prevention of infection in neurorehabilitation services. Co-occurrence of Covid-19 infection in patients with neurological disabilities makes patients more complex and vulnerable and requires strengthening the rehabilitation services along with adequate clinical management.