EXPLORING THE NEUROLOGICAL EFFECTS OF COVID-19: A NARRATIVE REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE/EXPLORANDO OS EFEITOS NEUROLOGICOS POS COVID-19: UMA REVISAO NARRATIVA DA LITERATURA/EXPLORACION DE LOS EFECTOS NEUROLOGICOS DEL COVID-19: UNA REVISION NARRATIVA DE LA LITERATURA

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in December 2019, has triggered significant challenges, including the recognition and treatment of its neurological sequelae. Studies indicate an association between the SARS-CoV-2 virus and severe neurological symptoms, such as anosmia, headache and altered mental status. Objective: This study proposes a comprehensive analysis of neurological sequelae, with the aim of improving the understanding and clinical management of these complications. Development: Anosmia, the loss of smell, is a common symptom of COVID-19, affecting around 44.1% of patients. Although usually temporary, its incidence varies globally, being lower in East Asia. In COVID-19, anosmia can arise due to mechanical obstruction or damage to sensory neurons. Studies indicate that most patients recover within 1-3 weeks, but some may face prolonged loss. Parosmia and phantosmia, olfactory distortions, affect up to 56% of patients, impacting quality of life. Treatment includes olfactory training therapy and nasal irrigation. Prolonged COVID can cause cognitive impairment, affecting concentration and aggravating neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Older age and comorbidities increase the risk. COVID is also associated with headaches, especially in women, and encephalopathy, leading to mental alterations. The virus can increase blood clotting, increasing the risk of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. Treatment involves anticoagulant therapy and prevention of risk factors. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic presents neurological challenges, such as anosmia and neurocognitive impairment. Patients with neurodegenerative diseases face increased risks. Preventive strategies, such as vaccination and hypercoagulability control, are crucial to mitigate the neurological impact of the disease and achieve better outcomes for patients. Keywords: COVID-19; neurological effects; neurocognition; immune system; mental state. Introducao: A pandemia de COVID-19, iniciada em dezembro de 2019, desencadeou desafios significativos, incluindo o reconhecimento e tratamento das suas sequelas neurologicas. Estudos indicam uma associacao entre o virus SARS-CoV-2 e sintomas neurologicos graves, como anosmia, cefaleia e alteracoes do estado mental. Objetivo: Este estudo propoe uma analise abrangente das sequelas neurologicas, visando melhorar o entendimento e o manejo clinico dessas complicacoes. Desenvolvimento: A anosmia, a perda do olfato,