The American Academy of Otolaryngology and UK ENT, a professional membership body at The Royal College of Surgeons of England, announced recently on their websites that there is strong anecdotal evidence that the loss of smell is often a symptom of COVID-19 infection. Another sensory defect that has been observed as a consequence of the infection is loss of taste in some patients. As this information becomes disseminated, physicians and patients may be concerned if there are any sensory defects in the lower extremities associated with COVID-19?
At present, there is no reason to believe that COVID-19 is responsible for any sensory defects of the lower extremity. In fact, The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy, a reputable patient advocacy group with a highly qualified scientific advisory board, recently sent an email to their members stating that it:
“has looked to its experts and advisors for recommendations for patients with peripheral neuropathy. Thankfully, FPN has recently confirmed that there is no known neurological effect from the virus.”
On a personal note, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of you the best of luck during these trying times. These are truly dark days, but they will pass.