POST-COVID EFFECTS: NEUROLOGICAL AND COGNITIVE CHANGES IN PATIENTS EVALUATED IN AN OUTDOOR CENTER IN SOUTH OF SANTA CATARINA

Abstract

Introduction: SARS-COV-2 emerged in December 2019 in China and numerous cases and deaths were recorded. The post-Covid-19 syndrome is characterized by systemic manifestations, with risks of complications. Objective: To evaluate the neurological and cognitive effects in the post-Covid-19 period in patients undergoing hospitalization and in the post-Covid-19 period at the post-Covid-19 Ambulatory in the city of Tubarão/SC. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. The population studied consisted of patients seen at the post-Covid-19 outpatient clinic. Results: Analysis of 117 medical records of individuals submitted to consultations at the post-Covid-19 outpatient clinic of UNISUL. The sociodemographic profile of the patients treated were: 58.1% are women, 63.5% are between 30 and 59 years old. Dyspnea was found in 50.4%. 64% had some comorbidity. In the neurological evaluation, memory deficit was present in 43.3%, Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE - Minimental) performed in 48.6% of them, with 75% of the results suggestive of cognitive deficit. Conclusion: Of the 117 individuals treated at the post-Covid-19 outpatient clinic, 58.1% were female, the most affected age group, in both sexes, was 30 to 59 years (63.5%), mostly workers. Patients evaluated by the MMSE changed the profile of the total sample only in relation to the age group, which is 50% from 60 to 79 years old. Patients with MMSE alterations had 79.2% more muscle weakness and 78.3% memory deficits compared to the total sample. Active listening and professional subjectivity in health assessment allow investigation, clarification and conduct regarding symptoms that are sometimes imperceptible to the patient, allowing for a better quality of life.