EFNA has published a message from those living with neurological disorders who may be directly at increased risk from COVID-19, including through disruptions in their healthcare provision.

In the statement, EFNA explores three challenges to face this situation without neglecting patients with brain disorders: ensuring equitable access to treatments, services and supports, reinvigorating neuroscience research and innovation, supporting and optimising the role of patient organisations.

Read the full statement here.

Neurological disorders are mostly chronic, long-term conditions. Those affected may be at increased
risk from Covid-19. However, as this strain of the coronavirus is new, the knowledge on how this will
affect people with neurological disorders is still limited. Although, based on evidence to date, we
can assume that those with such underlying disorders may be more at risk from the virus directly, but
also due to being exposed to disruptions in healthcare provision. There are also concerns around the
slowing pace and prioritisation of neuroscience research for our communities. In this statement, we
explore these challenges as well as looking at the role of the neurological patient organisation
during and after this crisis.

Donna Walsh, Executive Director, European Federation of Neurological Associations