COVID-19

Prof. B. Bodini interviews Mrs. Joke Jaarsma, President of EFNA – European Federation of Neurological Associations

The EANcore COVID-19 inatitive has launched a survey on neurological symptoms in COVID-19 patients.

As the CoVID-19 pandemic spreads across Europe and the world, in response the European Academy of Neurology is launching EANcore CoVID-19. This resource aims to help neurologists in Europe and beyond prepare for and manage the challenges this global crisis is bringing.

The new Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has drastically changed the world as we know it. Every aspect of our lives has been modified to adapt ourselves and to prevent the spread of this novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 279 722 confirmed cases have been reported worldwide with more than 72 616 deaths (as of 7 April 2020). Africa is the least affected region (10,260 confirmed cases and 492 deaths). However, this number may be underestimated and is continuing to rise relentlessly. Thus, Africa is facing the biggest challenge of the 21st century: making health as a priority. Scientific societies, national and international health authorities have to work together to strengthen the fight against SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19.

Recently released guidance on stroke management during the current COVID-19 pandemic emphasises carefully managed triage, importance of appropriate personal protective equipment, and crisis resource management.

In these troubled times, our Paper of the Month for April is: Grasselli G, Pesenti A, Cecconi M. Critical care utilization for the Covid-19 outbreak in Lombardy, Italy: Early experience and forecast during an emergency response.

As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise in the majority of European Countries, including Italy, neurologists should prepare to manage these cases. As already known, preparation has been challenged by rapidly changing guidelines, inconsistent directives, and a lack of testing capability.

Neurologists working at the Reggio Emilio Hospital in Italy have provided a presentation on the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on their Neurology Unit and their experience treating COVId-19 patients with neurological conditions.