Foreign accent syndrome and other neuropsychological sequelae of a parieto-occipital lesion following COVID-19 associated posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome

Hill, G., Archibald, N., Larkin, P., Farquhar, J. and Evans, J. (2023) Foreign accent syndrome and other neuropsychological sequelae of a parieto-occipital lesion following COVID-19 associated posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. Clinical Neuropsychologist, 37(6), pp. 1321-1335. (doi: 10.1080/13854046.2022.2108903) (PMID:36000333)

Abstract

Objective: We describe a previously fit and well 54-year-old female who acquired a range of severe and persisting neuropsychological impairments following a posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) complication of COVID-19. The initial presentation included aphasia, a neurogenic foreign accent syndrome (FAS) and a persisting complete cortical blindness from the underpinning parieto-occipital brain injury. Method: Neuropsychological single clinical case report. Results: The patient retained insight and made good early progress with their adjustment to the numerous losses caused by the COVID-19 associated acquired brain injury. Comprehensive neuropsychological investigation characterised an acalculia, along with deficits in focused, sustained and divided attention impacting on verbal memory, working memory and executive functioning, amongst numerous relative strengths. Conclusion: Similar to PRES from other aetiologies, COVID-19 associated PRES can in some cases cause irreversible acquired brain injury. The diverse neuropsychological effects need to be comprehensively investigated and managed. This case adds to the neuropsychological literature on PRES, FAS and acquired brain injury as a rare complication of SARS-CoV-2.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Evans, Professor Jonathan
• Authors: Hill, G., Archibald, N., Larkin, P., Farquhar, J., and Evans, J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Journal Name: Clinical Neuropsychologist
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• ISSN: 1385-4046
• ISSN (Online): 1744-4144
• Published Online: 24 August 2022
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 informa uK limited, trading as Taylor & Francis group
• First Published: First published in Clinical Neuropsychologist 37960:1321-1335
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher