Long COVID, also known as post-COVID conditions, can present with a wide range of symptoms that persist for weeks or months after the initial COVID-19 infection. The most common symptoms of long COVID include:
Neurological Symptoms
- Headaches
- Difficulty thinking or concentrating, often referred to as “brain fog”
- Memory problems
- Changes in smell or taste
Psychological Symptoms
- Depression or anxiety
- Mood changes
Other Symptoms
- Fatigue or tiredness that interferes with daily life
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Cough
- Chest pain or heart palpitations
- Sleep problems
- Dizziness when standing up (orthostatic hypotension)
- Joint or muscle pain
- Fever
- Stomach pain or other gastrointestinal issues
- Changes in menstrual cycles
There is evidence of persistent inflammation in people with long COVID. This inflammation of blood vessels, brain tissues, and other organs is likely the cause of all of the above symptoms.
Receiving a COVID vaccination may prolong the symptoms of long-term COVID-19 in people who have already contracted COVID and now suffer from long COVID. However, vaccines seem to reduce the risk of severe COVID and long COVID.
Unfortunately, we do not have any proven therapies for long COVID. However, it is very important to make sure that nutritional deficiencies do not contribute to long COVID symptoms. I often find a deficiency of vitamin B12 and other B vitamins, vitamin D, magnesium, CoQ10, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and others. I recommend looking at your test results yourself since doctors may glance at the report and tell you everything is fine if nothing is flagged. The normal ranges for vitamins are too wide, and if you are at the bottom of the normal range, you are probably deficient. For example, vitamin B12 levels are considered normal between 200 and 1,200. Most neurologists will tell you that your level should be above 500. The same applies to RBC magnesium level – normal is 4.0 to 6.4, but you need to be above 5. Vitamin D should be well above 40, while 30 is still considered normal.
Another supplement I often recommend is NAC. A small study by Yale neurologists showed that 600 mg of NAC improved working memory, concentration, and executive functions. NAC helps the body produce glutathione, an important antioxidant. We sometimes give glutathione infusions along with other vitamins.
Supplements that reduce inflammation include ginger and turmeric extracts.
For brain fog and other neurological symptoms, we have had some success with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Other neurostimulation methods, such as tDCS, are also worth trying.
Some patients benefit from intravenous infusion of immune globulin, which is approved for some types of neuropathies.
Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) may also help, but no studies prove this.
Probiotics can help people with gastrointestinal symptoms.
Stimulants can be tried to treat fatigue and brain fog. They can also help with depression.
For headaches, we often give Botox injections.
Depression can be treated with antidepressants or TMS.
Some people respond well to physical therapy, acupuncture, herbs, meditation, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and other mind-body techniques.
