AAN 2021 | Does COVID-19 enter the brain via the nose?

Literature on the neurologic complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection continues to emerge as evidence accumulates. However, many questions regarding the underlying mechanisms behind these neurological manifestations remain unanswered. Avindra Nath, MD, MBBS, FAAN, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MA, talks on aspects of COVID-19 that are not fully understood. A major question remains whether the virus, or viral products, can enter the brain via the nose. It has been postulated that SARS-CoV-2 may travel through the nose to the brainstem and move through nerve tracts to cause the commonly reported respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. Dr Nath also talks on the need for further investigation into immune mediators and the pathophysiology of long-haul COVID-19. This interview took place during the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) 2021 Annual Meeting.