Many
who became infected with the coronavirus and survived may not be out of the
woods just yet.
A
special clinic at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago
published a study
focused on long-term neurological symptoms in people who were never sick enough
to need hospitalization for COVID-19, finding long-haulers experience
prominent “brain fog” and fatigue that is affecting their cognition and quality
of life.
Brain
fog has been categorized as forgetfulness, confusion and difficulty focusing.
“Even
though someone was asymptomatic, they may actually have had a period of low
oxygen to the brain and not realized it," says Dr. Helen Valsamis, the
chief of neurology at NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County.
She
advises those experiencing these symptoms avoid alcohol or other substances
that can impair brain function, to rest when needed and to exercise.
Valsamis says other cognitive rehabilitation could help recovery
too, such as listening to music or reading.
She
recommends anyone experiencing brain fog to see their primary care physician.