Unveiling Brainstem Damage: Long Covid's Effect on the Mind

A study reveals long Covid symptoms such as fatigue and brain fog could be linked to brainstem damage. The brainstem's inflammation, detected through MRI in Covid patients, may explain persistent symptoms post-infection. The research highlights significant connections between physical symptoms and psychiatric effects tied to brainstem changes.

In recent advancements, researchers from the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford have drawn a connection between long Covid symptoms and brainstem damage. These symptoms, including fatigue and brain fog, may be attributed to inflammation in the brainstem, a crucial area linking consciousness to bodily functions.

The study utilized high-resolution MRI scans of 30 patients who experienced severe COVID-19 during the pandemic's onset. It revealed abnormalities in critical brainstem regions like the medulla oblongata, pons, and midbrain. Such findings underscore the brainstem's role in prolonged symptoms like breathlessness and fatigue.

The study further warns that brainstem damage might contribute to poor mental health outcomes due to the close interaction between physical and mental health. This research offers a new understanding of the long-term effects of Covid-19 and could guide more effective treatments in the future.

(With inputs from agencies.)