DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sajb.2025.v13i07.013

Pages: 1012-1015

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic, driven by SARS-CoV-2, has profoundly impacted global health, primarily as a respiratory illness but with significant neurological consequences in both acute and post-acute phases. Objective: This review synthesizes global and regional COVID-19 prevalence data and examines the neurological manifestations, underlying mechanisms, and long-term implications of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the nervous system. Methods: A systematic review of peer-reviewed literature, clinical studies, and epidemiological data from 2019 to 2025 was conducted, focusing on neurological outcomes, prevalence, and rehabilitation strategies. Results: Neurological manifestations range from mild symptoms (e.g., headache, anosmia) to severe conditions (e.g., stroke, encephalopathy). Mechanisms include direct viral invasion via ACE2 receptors, cytokine-mediated neuroinflammation, and blood-brain barrier disruption. Long COVID is associated with persistent cognitive, psychiatric, and autonomic dysfunction. Conclusion: The neurological impact of COVID-19 is significant and multifaceted, necessitating early diagnosis, targeted interventions, and further research to address long-term sequelae.