In the case of children, COVID-19 is said to be mild, but there are some instances that cause long-term neurological complications in children.

Most children with COVID-19 have milder clinical symptoms than adults. But in some cases, it can affect many other organs as well. So, what are some neurological complications that may arise post-Covid? These can be divided into acute and chronic complications.

Covid-19 can cause many complications in children

About 16 percent of children have neurological problems such as headache, nervousness, fatigue, hyposmia (loss of smell), and hypogeusia (loss of taste). These can last for a few days during or after the Covid-19 infection.

About 1 percent have neurological problems such as seizures (abnormal body movements), encephalopathy (loss of alertness), meningeal signs (signs associated with inflammation of the covering of the brain, such as neck pain, inability to turn the neck, etc.).

Other neurological problems may include bleeding in the brain, damage to the nerve originating from the brain, or limb weakness (Guillain-Barré syndrome). Sometimes, the child may suffer from a stroke (acute weakness of one side of the body, or a limb).

These complications vary with the different types of COVID-19. Complications were more commonly associated with the delta variant than with Omicron.

Serious complications in children due to Covid-19

1. In children 0 to 3 years old:

Due to excessive exposure to screen time in the form of television and mobile, children are presenting with lack of social and communication skills. There are proven reports that suggest that children under 2 years of age, if exposed to screen time, can present with speech delays, extreme temper tantrums and cognitive decline. As the lockdown has limited social life and interaction with their peers.

2. Children 3 years and younger:

Kindergarten and school not only provide an environment for our children to learn, but they also enhance their social skills. With the closure of schools, children are getting education through screens without any human interaction. This lack of sensory stimulation has again exacerbated their behavioral concerns. Since energy is not dissipating and excessive energy is being accumulated, children are becoming more hyperactive and aggressive.

Also, parents have limited time to spend, as they are busy with other household and office tasks, they have little time to engage with and play with children. This has forced the children to find solutions on their own despite not being aware of the subject. In turn, this is giving rise to more tantrums and chaos.

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