Mysuru doctors Sound Alarm on rising Post-COVID Neurological Disorders
Courtesy American academy of Neurology
Mysuru: Leading neurologists in Mysuru have raised concerns over a 30 per cent increase in neurological disorders since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, urging the Karnataka government to form an expert committee to investigate the growing health trend. This comes in the wake of the state’s recent initiative to examine a surge in sudden cardiac deaths.
Dr. Shushrutha Gowda, an American board-certified neurologist, reported a significant rise in cases involving conditions like migraines, neuropathy, stroke, and dementia — trends that align with global observations. Emphasising the need for immediate action, he told the TOI, “Neurological disorders are often more severe than cardiac issues, with higher morbidity rates. The urgency to conduct comprehensive studies and implement interventions cannot be overstated.”
Dr. Gowda cited alarming recent cases, including an 18-year-old diabetic smoker suffering a stroke and several instances of early-onset dementia in individuals as young as 45. He proposed statewide epidemiological studies, regional neurology registries, and increased funding for research into neurological conditions, particularly dementia. Echoing his concerns, Dr. Mohamed Ataulla Shariff of Narayana Hospital noted a post-Covid rise in Guillain-Barré syndrome, ischemic strokes, and cognitive issues like brain fog and fatigue. He attributed some of these complications to steroid-induced diabetes during Covid treatment, reports The Daily.
Dr. Sucharitha MV of Manipal Hospital highlighted a spike in acute neurological cases immediately after COVID, including ischemic strokes, cerebral hemorrhage, venous thrombosis, and encephalitis. Anosmia (loss of smell), altered taste, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and myalgia are among some of the other health hazards encountered by people. While some patients recovered, others with pre-existing conditions such as Parkinson’s, epilepsy, and dementia experienced long-term setbacks, she noted. Post-COVID symptoms such as memory loss, depression, and behavioural issues are now commonly seen as delayed complications.
Despite these findings, health department officials remain cautious. Mysuru District Health Officer Dr. PC Kumaraswamy stated that while brain health is a component of the mental health programme, no significant spike in neurological cases has been officially reported. Experts continue to call for a comprehensive strategy to address what they describe as an evolving public health concern.
