Jennifer Frontera, MD

“We do certainly need to understand more about what’s going on with kids who have COVID-19—there are probably certain pediatric populations that are more susceptible or prone to having poorer outcomes than the general population.”

In early April, 1 of the first multi-case studies of neurologic manifestations of COVID-19 demonstrated complex central nervous system (CNS) involvement, thus raising further questions about its pathological mechanism. 

The retrospective case series, published in 

 found that neurologic symptoms including central and peripheral nervous system and skeletal muscular manifestations were commonly reported in patients with COVID-19.

Jennifer Frontera, MD, professor of neurology, NYU Langone, told 

 that although the data is promising, there are limitations and much of it is on still broad spectrum at the moment. The data itself does not differentiate between different strains of the virus nor does it detail the overlap from common neurologic symptoms to those caused by the virus.

Frontera discussed her thoughts on the data she has looked at, as well as her recommendations for how the data could be narrowed down to find more conclusive results.

Videos

The professor of neurology at NYU Langone shares her thoughts on the clinical data that has been released so far on patients with COVID-19.

Jennifer Frontera, MD: Reaction to COVID-19 Data

“We really do want to encourage folks that the organization in many of these hospitals is much better than it was at the beginning of this pandemic.”

As the curve of the COVID-19 pandemic takes a declining turn, the need for following protocol and maintaining social distancing becomes even more crucial, especially to prevent a second wave. While hospitals are still feeling the effects of overcrowding, doctors are still requesting that those who need medical attention seek it rather than forego a trip to the physician.

Jennifer Frontera, professor of neurology, NYU Langone, tells 

 that although we must maintain the course, patients should not be avoiding the hospital if they have a serious condition because of the fear of contracting the virus. She feels that in timely cases, such as strokes, patients must still seek emergency room care and should not feel the need to stay at home.

, Frontera details the importance of seeking emergency room care despite levels of COVID-19 being higher in a hospital setting. She also gives an overview of the standard protocol patients with neurologic symptoms should continue to follow.

The professor of neurology at NYU Langone gives her input on those who are nervous to take hospital trips, as well as the protocol for patients with neurological disorders as COVID-19 slows down.

Jennifer Frontera, MD: Utilizing Hospitals Amid COVID-19 

“The things that predispose folks to pulmonary manifestations are probably going to drive risk more so than other factors.”

The effects of COVID-19 on patients who are compromised has been well documented since the start of the pandemic. Social distancing and preventive measures have been put in place to not only slow the spread, but keep those who are of older age, have weaker immune systems, and/or have potentially life-threatening conditions away from the general population.

Jennifer Frontera, MD, professor of neurology, NYU Langone, claims that there is not enough data to support the thought that those with underlying neurologic conditions may be more at risk to the virus, but she does see the overlap. For instance, those who suffer from dementia and Alzheimer disease may be generally of older age, a factor that increases the risk of COVID-19 mortality.

, Frontera describes the ongoing research dedicated towards learning more about the risk factors associated with neurologic disorders and COVID-19. Additionally, she emphasizes why the need for long-term data is crucial to learning more about its effects.

The professor of neurology at NYU Langone discussed the risk of COVID-19 in patients with neurological disorders.

Jennifer Frontera, MD: Risk of COVID-19 in Patients With Neurologic Disorders

“We get to this point where we don’t know how much is casual versus causal because strokes happen in a high frequency within the population anyway.”

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to sweep the country, neurologists are continually learning more about the neurological symptoms associated with the disease. At the moment, gathering imaging data has been challenging due to the lack of resources, overcrowding in hospitals, and difficulties transporting patients.

Jennifer Frontera, MD, professor of neurology, NYU Langone, is among many doctors in New York City who have been dedicating their time to care for patients with COVID-19 who also have preexisting neurologic conditions. She told 

that while a multitude of symptoms and conditions have been observed in this patient population, there is not enough evidence to make vast assumptions at this point.

In this interview, Frontera provides in-depth detail on her personal encounters with COVID-19 in a hospital setting and the documented neurologic symptoms she has seen in these patients. She also provides insight on the overlap surrounding neurologic symptoms that may or may not have been triggered by COVID-19.

The professor of neurology at NYU Langone detailed the neurologic symptoms that have been observed in patients with COVID-19.

Author | Jennifer Frontera, MD

Articles

Jennifer Frontera, MD: Reaction to COVID-19 Data

Jennifer Frontera, MD: Utilizing Hospitals Amid COVID-19

Jennifer Frontera, MD: Risk of COVID-19 in Patients With Neurologic Disorders

Jennifer Frontera, MD: Neurologic Symptoms of COVID-19