Cerebrovascular and neurological dysfunction as a result of COVID-19 infection in patients with migraine

Abstract

The catastrophe resulting from the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 has affected everyone globally. It has been reported that this virus not only generates acute pulmonary and respiratory disorders but also causes cerebrovascular and neurological dysfunctions. A number of COVID-19 infected people were found to suffer from cerebral ischemia in addition to hypoxia. The probable pathway for neurological invasion of SARS-CoV-2 is through olfactory pathway, followed by interaction with the ACE2 receptors present in the brain endothelial cells. However, identifying the factors or underlying conditions that may play vital roles in causing neurological and cerebrovascular problems among the COVID-19 patients are currently crucial. Migraine is one of the most prevailing neurological disorders that has a direct relation with ischemic stroke, regulating the coagulation factors, weakening the blood brain barrier and causing neuroinflammation. Therefore, an individual with pre-existing migraine aura may be more susceptible towards COVID-19. In this review we have proposed the possible reasons of migraine to be a comorbid situation for COVID-19 patients, with regard to cerebrovascular and neurological dysfunctions.