In this paper, the authors report a case series of patients with prolonged but reversible unconsciousness following COVID-19 related severe respiratory failure. In particular, after cessation of sedatives the described cases all showed a prolonged comatose state. Diagnostic neurological work-up did not show signs of devastating brain injury. The clinical pattern of awakening started with early eye opening without obeying commands and persistent flaccid weakness in all cases. Time between cessation of sedatives to the first moment of being fully responsive and obeying commands ranged from 8 to 31 days. The authors concluded that prolonged unconsciousness in patients with severe respiratory failure due to COVID-19 can be fully reversible warranting a cautious approach for prognostication based on a prolonged state of unconsciousness.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000011355