Covid19 What is it?

Today, I don’t think there is anyone who has not heard of the most famous of the coronaviruses (technically called SARS-CoV-2), and naturally doubts, fears and concerns arise.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause everything from a mild cold to more serious lung disease. The current SARS-CoV-2 is a new strain that until now has not been identified in humans. The most common symptoms are fever, dry cough and shortness of breath. Some people also associate nasal congestion or sore throat and others pass the infection even without any symptoms.

According to World Health Organization data, the majority of people affected (around 80%) will recover from the infection without any special intervention beyond good hydration and symptomatic treatment. However, one in six people who become infected will develop severe respiratory symptoms.

Is Parkinson’s disease a risk factor for this infection? What about other movement disorders).

According to the data available to date, Parkinson’s disease, other parkinsonisms, dystonia, tics, ataxia and other movement disorders are not a risk factor in themselves, nor are the drugs taken by these patients, nor is it justified to interrupt treatment without medical indication. Advanced age is considered a risk factor, as well as the presence of associated pathologies such as hypertension, diabetes or pulmonary diseases, which often coexist in some patients. It is therefore essential that both patients and their relatives take into consideration the official recommendations of the Ministry of Health regarding preventive measures and do not take unnecessary risks (For further information, please consult this link: https://www.mscbs.gob.es/profesionales/saludPublica/ccayes/alertasActual/nCov-China/ciudadania.htm ).

Is there anything else I can do?

In these days when it is necessary to stay at home and limit contacts, I want to emphasize the importance of physical exercise, particularly in our patients with Parkinson’s disease. Being physically active, even at home, is a great way to stay healthy not only physically but also mentally. There are many options to exercise at home, and for this our wonderful team of physiotherapists has prepared audiovisual material of great help.

And above all remember… you are not alone.

The Movement Disorders Program of the Neurology Service of the Ruber Internacional Hospital in Madrid has a team of specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. We also have a Functional Movement Disorders Unit, a pioneer unit in Spain.

Do not hesitate to contact us by phone or email if you have any questions. We are available for telephone and videoconference consultations if you need us. (+34 913875250 / 91912792106 or by e-mail covidneurologia@neurologiaclinica.es)