PP1515 - The Potential Effects COVID Has on the Vestibular System

Posters

Location: Halls 4EF

Lead Presenter(s)

SH

Sierra Hunnicutt, BS (she/her/hers)

Lamar University
Houston, Texas

Financial Disclosures: I do not have any relevant financial relationships with anything to disclose.
Non-Financial Disclosures: I do not have any relevant non-financial relationships with anything to disclose.

PDF Slides

Contributor(s)

HS

Heather Saunders

I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.
HG

Hannah Gbadebo

I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.
KR

Karina Robledo

I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.

Abstract: COVID-19 is a disease that can mainly cause respiratory infections. It affects an individual’s ability to perform tasks such as breathing. However, COVID-19 has been discovered to have an impact on the vestibular system. This literature review was written to investigate the effects that are potentially caused by COVID-19, on the vestibular system. Articles were found through three databases: Cochrane Collection, PubMed, and Frontiers. Information obtained from the articles selected shows that the effects of COVID-19 create symptoms in the vestibular system, such as vertigo. These symptoms can lead to potential long-term dysfunctions in one's balance and risk for falls.

Summary: COVID-19 is an infectious disease that can mainly cause respiratory dysfunction. It affects an individual’s ability to perform tasks such as breathing and talking. However, in recent research, COVID-19 has been discovered to have an impact on other areas of the body, including the vestibular system. Once the vestibular system is impacted, an individual's ability to maintain balance is obstructed, leading to the risk of falling and obtaining injuries, such as a concussion. This systematic literature review was written to investigate the symptoms and effects that are potentially caused by COVID-19, in the vestibular system. Articles were found by the use of three databases: Cochrane Collection, PubMed, and Frontiers. Information obtained from the articles selected shows that the effects of COVID-19 create symptoms in the vestibular system, mainly vertigo, dizziness, vestibular neuritis, and gait imbalance. These symptoms can lead to potential long-term dysfunctions in one's balance and risk for falls.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion, participants will be able to describe the effects and symptoms that COVID-19 has on the vestibular system.