From a dry cough to a high temperature, coronavirus is known to be associated with a range of unpleasant symptoms.
Now, scientists have warned of another extremely rare side effect, that could leave some coronavirus patients paralysed.
The team, from the Mondino Foundation in Italy, have warned that some patients are developing Guillain–Barré syndrome after the onset of COVID-19.
Guillain-Barré syndrome is a very rare and serious condition that affects the nerves, and can cause numbness, weakness and pain in the feet, hands and limbs.
In the study, the researchers analysed coronavirus patients in three hospitals in Italy from February 28 to March 21.
During that time, they discovered that five patients developed Guillain–Barré syndrome, leaving them temporarily paralysed.
Symptoms seen in four patients included lower-limb weakness and paresthesia (a burning or prickling sensation in the skin), while one patient was left with facial paralysis and slurred speech.
In the study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the researchers, led by Dr Gianpaolo Toscano, explained: “The interval between the onset of symptoms of Covid-19 and the first symptoms of Guillain–Barré syndrome ranged from 5 to 10 days.”
Guillain-Barré syndrome is caused by a problem with the immune system, and often happens after an infection.
The NHS explained: “Normally the immune system attacks any germs that get into the body. But in people with Guillain-Barré syndrome, something goes wrong and it mistakenly attacks and damages the nerves.
“It’s not clear exactly why this happens, but the condition often happens after an infection; especially an infection of the airways, such as flu, or an infection of the digestive system, such as food poisoning or a stomach bug (gastroenteritis).”
The syndrome has previously been seen in patients with other infections, including Zika.
The researchers explained: “The interval of 5 to 10 days between the onset of viral illness and the first symptoms of Guillain–Barré syndrome is similar to the interval seen with Guillain–Barré syndrome that occurs during or after other infections.
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“Although many infectious agents have been associated with Guillain–Barré syndrome, there may be a propensity for preceding infection with Campylobacter jejuni, Epstein–Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, and Zika virus.
“There have been reports of an association between Guillain–Barré syndrome and coronavirus infections.”
The report comes as an NHS radiographer was given a guard of honour after recovering from Guillain-Barré syndrome caused by coronavirus.
Paul Skegg, 42, developed the syndrome while being cared for at the Darent Valley Hosptial in Dartford, Kent.
Dr Jonathan Kwan, divisional medical director at the Kent hospital, said it is the first known case of the condition in Kent and possibly in the whole country.
The doctor paid tribute to the critical care team and neurologists at the hospital who used a “groundbreaking” therapy to treat Paul.
Treatment involved an immunoglobulin infusion, a plasma extract from blood donations supplied by the National Blood Transfusion Service.
Dr Kwan said: “Without this, Paul might have been on the ventilator for much longer. His rapid recovery is just short of a miracle.
“Today, we lined the corridor for one of our own and clapped this front-line NHS staff home following a 16-day stay at Darent Valley Hospital.”
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