This review examines the current data on central nervous system damage in cases of the new coronavirus infection caused by the COVID-19 virus. The pathogenetic mechanisms leading to damage to the brain and spinal cord are considered. The analysis of available research articles and meta-analyzes published up to fall 2020 is carried out. The authors provide the results of their own clinical observations of various forms of damage to the central nervous system in cases of COVID-19 virus disease. Particular attention is paid to certain common forms of damage to the central nervous system, such as encephalitis, cerebrovascular pathology, and headaches. A form of acute hemorrhagic necrotizing encephalopathy is distinguished, which is a rather rare but fatal pathology, comorbid with the COVID-19 virus. The data of our own clinical case of acute necrotizing encephalopathy are presented. The importance of further studying the effect of coronavirus on the central nervous system and possible mechanisms of therapy and rehabilitation for this category of patients is emphasized