Researchers at Newcastle University report brain and nerve changes linked to post-COVID fatigue, shedding light on why some patients continue to struggle after recovery. The team suggests that non-invasive pain-relief techniques used during labor may hold therapeutic potential for those experiencing post-COVID syndrome. The study appears in Brain Communications, highlighting a path toward measurable biomarkers for long COVID fatigue.
Longer-term effects after COVID-19 are a growing concern. People report persistent tiredness, widespread aches, trouble focusing, and breathlessness. In this investigation, scientists conducted a series of behavioral tasks and neurophysiological assessments in 37 individuals with long COVID and compared their results with 52 healthy controls. The researchers found reduced activity in three distinct regions of the nervous system among those with chronic fatigue, signaling a neural basis for the symptom cluster seen in long COVID. These findings begin to map how certain neural circuits may be altered after infection and how such changes relate to ongoing fatigue. (Source: Newcastle University, Brain Communications)
The team explains that this decreased neural activity disrupts the autonomic nervous system, which regulates automatic bodily functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing. In addition, muscle fibers in people with post-COVID fatigue appear to fatigue more quickly than in those without the condition, hinting at a broader muscular and neural fatigue pathway. Such observations help clarify why patients experience both physical weariness and cognitive fog, and they provide a framework for targeted therapies. (Source: Newcastle University, Brain Communications)
Commenting on the societal context, researchers acknowledge that many individuals with long COVID face skepticism or disbelief when reporting their symptoms. The study’s objective measurements offer tangible evidence that fatigue linked to long COVID is real and detectable. The authors emphasize that these tests can illuminate how changes in the nervous system unfold over time and contribute to chronic fatigue, potentially guiding more precise monitoring and treatment strategies. (Source: Newcastle University, Brain Communications)
In a practical direction, scientists have begun exploring the use of a non-invasive stimulation device to engage the autonomic nervous system in people with post-COVID syndrome. The device is a lightweight headset that delivers small electrical currents to stimulate the vagus nerve, a key conduit for autonomic regulation. By modulating vagal activity, this approach aims to restore balance in automatic body functions and reduce fatigue symptoms. Notably, similar neuromodulation techniques are already employed to alleviate labor pain, illustrating how repurposing existing technologies can offer new avenues for recovery in post-COVID conditions. Ongoing studies will determine the optimal parameters, safety, and long-term benefits of this intervention. (Source: Newcastle University, Brain Communications)
Overall, the findings underscore the importance of viewing post-COVID fatigue through a neurophysiological lens. They suggest that objective measures of nervous system activity can serve as biomarkers to track progression and response to treatment. For patients and clinicians, such insights may lead to more personalized care plans that combine neuromodulation, physical therapy, and cognitive strategies to address both the physical and cognitive components of fatigue. As research continues, the goal remains to translate these scientific insights into practical care that improves daily functioning and quality of life for individuals recovering from COVID-19. (Source: Newcastle University, Brain Communications)
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