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Published on: 5/15/2025

Could COVID-19 cause a sudden inability to walk in children?

Tomas Diaz

Reviewed by Tomas Diaz, MD

Emergency Medicine

COVID-19 can cause sudden difficulty walking in children by affecting muscle strength and nerve coordination, though such cases are rare.

answer background

Explanation

COVID-19, like other viruses, can affect children's muscles and joints, causing pain, weakness, and difficulty walking. Research shows that COVID-19 may also impact the nervous system, leading to coordination and movement problems in children (Singer et al.). In some cases, hospitalized children who develop long COVID experience persistent motor skill difficulties (Asadi-Pooya et al.). These COVID-19 complications are uncommon but possible. Nonetheless, many other conditions can also cause sudden walking difficulties and should be considered. Any child who develops trouble walking should see a healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment.

(References)

  • Giraudo C, Fichera G, Pilati L, Cortinovis AL, Cavallin C, Bertin S, Zuliani M, Cecchin D. COVID-19 musculoskeletal involvement in children. Front Pediatr. 2023 May 19;11:1200877. doi: 10.3389/fped.2023.1200877. PMID: 37274814; PMCID: PMC10235627.

  • Singer TG, Evankovich KD, Fisher K, Demmler-Harrison GJ, Risen SR. Coronavirus Infections in the Nervous System of Children: A Scoping Review Making the Case for Long-Term Neurodevelopmental Surveillance. Pediatr Neurol. 2021 Apr;117:47-63. doi: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2021.01.007. Epub 2021 Jan 29. PMID: 33676141; PMCID: PMC7988307.

  • Asadi-Pooya AA, Nemati M, Nemati H. 'Long COVID': Symptom persistence in children hospitalised for COVID-19. J Paediatr Child Health. 2022 Oct;58(10):1836-1840. doi: 10.1111/jpc.16120. Epub 2022 Jul 19. PMID: 35851732; PMCID: PMC9349535.

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