Study: No brain damage from postcovid

Thousands of Swedes have been diagnosed with Post-Covid-19 disease after contracting COVID-19. But researchers at the University of Gothenburg have now come to a reassuring conclusion. Six months later, none of the patients had sustained permanent brain damage.

Nelly Canberg and Magnus Gillen

Fatigue, brain fog, memory loss and concentration disturbances are common symptoms after recent infection with the Covid-19 virus. Of all the patients recruited for the study in Gothenburg, half reported having suffered from neurological disorders. There was no difference whether the patients were seriously ill or had mild symptoms.

The results indicate that postcovid does not cause any brain damage, which is something that can really be a consolation for those affected, says Nelly Kenberg, a doctoral student at Sahlgrenska Academy and an ST physician in Sahlgrenska.

well-known phenomenon

Effects on the central nervous system and indicators of brain damage have been described since the beginning of the epidemic. Even before that, the researchers behind the current study were able to show that patients who received oxygen therapy and intensive care had only signs of brain damage.

In fact, it is not a new phenomenon. We’ve known for a long time that some viral infections can cause permanent damage. Even if we don’t know why, says Nelly Canberg.

still sick

However, despite the fact that the biomarkers of brain damage, even in the most severe cases, had already disappeared after three months, the patients in the study did not feel that they had recovered. However, 50 patients out of 100 reported developing their symptoms.

Now it remains for researchers to find out the real reason behind this condition.

Neurological complications are common in COVID-19 and can persist for several months after the acute phase. Professor Magnus Gislin, who is leading the clinical research, says it is reassuring that elevated concentrations of markers of brain damage are back to normal, indicating that there is a good chance of recovery.