Long COVID
Long COVID, also known as Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection (PASC), is a condition where people experience persistent or new symptoms weeks to months after recovering from the initial COVID-19 infection. These symptoms can affect multiple organ systems and vary in severity, often significantly impacting daily life.
Symptoms can be wide-ranging and may include:
- Difficulty concentrating, memory issues
- Headaches, dizziness, or balance problems
- Tingling or numbness in extremities
- Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) – like symptoms including rapid heart rate upon standing
- Blood pressure fluctuations, fainting
- Temperature regulation problems
- Shortness of breath, chest pain
- Heart palpitations, erratic heart rate
- Exercise intolerance
- ME/CFS-like symptoms
- Muscle pain, joint stiffness
- Post-exertional malaise (worsening of symptoms after physical or mental activity)
- Nausea, diarrhea, bloating
- Loss of appetite or weight fluctuations
- Chronic inflammation, persistent fever
- Autoimmune-like symptoms
- Reactivation of past infections (e.g., Epstein-Barr virus)
What Causes Long COVID?
While the exact cause is still being studied, possible mechanisms include:
- Chronic Inflammation & Immune Dysregulation – The immune system remains overactive, leading to persistent inflammation.
- Viral Persistence – Some studies suggest remnants of the virus remain in the body, triggering ongoing symptoms.
- Dysautonomia & Nervous System Dysfunction – Many Long COVID patients develop autonomic nervous system disorders (e.g., POTS, small fiber neuropathy).
- Mitochondrial Dysfunction – Disruptions in energy production could explain extreme fatigue and brain fog.
- Blood Clotting Abnormalities – Microclots may contribute to brain fog, fatigue, and cardiovascular symptoms.
Did you know that brain inflammation can lead to mental health symptoms like depression, anxiety, and OCD? Unfortunately, misdiagnosis often delays proper care for patients experiencing these symptoms. We aim to shed light on the natural course of neuroinflammatory syndromes and the risk factors associated with them.
By participating in research, patients with neuroinflammatory syndromes can contribute valuable data to help researchers understand these conditions better. With close follow-up and clinical evaluations, we aim to gather real-world insights that can benefit patients and healthcare providers alike.
By connecting patient communities and sharing research insights, we can drive progress and improve outcomes for individuals with 30+ related diseases.
Together, we can uncover the truth behind these complex disorders and pave the way for better care and treatment options.
