SARS-CoV-2 infection is linked to various neurological complications, including brain fog, reduced gray matter thickness, and heightened stroke risk, even in mild cases. While virus Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) is inconsistently detected in brain tissues, widespread immune activation is observed, suggesting indirect mechanisms.
The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, one of the virus's key structural components, triggers inflammatory responses via Toll-like receptors, affects endothelial function, and forms proinflammatory clots.