Thermodynamics and SARS-CoV-2: neurological effects in post-Covid 19 syndrome

Abstract

There is increasing evidence that infection with SARS-CoV-2 can cause a spectrum of neurological symptoms. In this paper, we develop a theoretical concept underlying such neurological COVID-19 consequences by employing a non-equilibrium thermodynamic approach that allows linking the neuronal electric potential with a virus-induced pH variation. Our theoretical findings support further experimental work on therapeutically correcting electrolyte imbalances, such as Na$^+$ and K$^+$, to attenuate the neurological effects of SARS-CoV-2.