COVID-19
Changing Policy and Practice
Up to a third of individuals infected with COVID-19 develop neurological manifestations. These include symptoms like headaches or loss of smell, but also potentially more serious complications, such as damage or inflammation in the brain.
A team of researchers from the University of Liverpool (Professor Benedict Michael, Dr Arina Tamborska, Victoria Grimbly, Dr Greta Wood) looked into these neurological symptoms linked to COVID-19.
Their research showed that patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 were particularly prone to encephalopathy - a process in which normal brain functioning is disturbed, causing confusion and fluctuating alertness.
A prompt diagnosis of encephalopathy is important to help clinicians address any underlying causes and initiate treatment for patients. But a survey with 136 doctors and healthcare professionals showed that the diagnosis of encephalopathy is often challenging.
Together with a group of experts, the team developed a set of guidance and tools to support clinicians in diagnosing and managing encephalopathy caused by COVID-19. Using our Changing Policy and Practice funding, the team will be able to disseminate this guidance among clinicians who look after patients with this disease.