Post Covid Brain Issues

Hello, and welcome to the Mayo Connect community. We are people living with a wide variety of diseases and conditions, who try to help one another along the way. We each strive to be informed medical consumers, and our own best advocates in our care. We are not medical professionals, so not able to provide medical advice. We can tell you what has worked for us (or not) and provide you with information and conversation about your question.

The issue of long-term brain involvement in Covid patients is beginning to be understood by researchers as a major issue, and is being studied worldwide. Since your symptoms have persisted for 6 months, there are a number of long-haul resources being developed which may help you. A good place to start is at this site, which breaks down what may be available to you by location: https://www.survivorcorps.com/

Good luck as you seek answers. You may hear from a number of members who also have symptoms similar to yours.

Sue

Thank you Sue, I will check out the link you posted!
DebberAnner

I had Covid November 2020 & continue to have cognitive issues. I had a brain MRI that showed micro vascular disease. Has anyone else experienced this?

Hi Debber, I moved your message to the Post-COVID Recovery group so you can connect with others like @saraguev @jwatzig @antonsc @lweed1956 @kcartier @lauriekh who have had severe headaches and cognitive issues (brain fog) as they recover from COVID infection. I'm hoping they can share updates and experiences with you.

Debber, do you know if the evidence of micro-vascular disease (changes to the small blood vessels in the brain) is new? What treatment or lifestyle changes were suggested to help prevent it from getting worse?

This was my second brain MRI, 1st with contrast which showed the micro vascular disease. I will have my 1st consultation with a neurologist in mid October. So I don’t have a treatment plan or prognosis. I continue to have headaches, fatigue & brain fog.
Thank you for the other’s contacts!

I’ll be interested what you learn at your neurology appointment in October.

A magazine I have found supportive is Brain & Life, Neurology For Everyday Living, by the American Academy of Neurology. You can subscribe to it for free at myBLsub.com. They have covered topics specific to Covid-19. It has helped me to feel not so alone with issues, that in my case I’ve had since birth.

@debberanner Hello. My brain fog has been minor and now only flares up when I'm very fatigued. I can't imagine how frustrated you must be.

Hi!

My brain and mental clarity has not been the same since second Covid infection in January of 2022. I am 38yo Husband and Dad, Regional Executive of a national company and an MBA student in a top ranked University. I was highly functional before the infection. Now, for example, I look at a pen and have to decide if it goes in the refrigerator or drawer. I took a medical leave form Spring MBA and may have to do the same this summer if I don’t improve. I am no longer able to write reports, publicly speak, run presentations, I can barely travel, and am so out of it, forgetful, fatigued and rifled with extreme brain fog. I have also noticed abnormal tendency to be easily frustrated and daily melancholy. I feel like I’ve had a massive four month concussion.

Two weeks ago I started a Mediterranean/Paleo Brain health diet and am trying to exercise 3-5 days a week. On the days I exercise for at least 30 min, there is some slight short term improvement for the rest of that day. I am scared and don’t know where to turn for help. I’m wondering if Mayo offers a consultations for Covid long haul/brain health. If so I’m desperate and want to book an appointment.

Thanks for your help!

i'm so sorry to hear what you are going through. unfortunately i don't have any solutions, but just wanted to affirm that you aren't alone. I'm 28, and since getting Covid in Dec '21 i've had to resign from my position at a University (i was writing a textbook), and essentially cancel all other life/career plans i had for this year. even the smallest tasks (like writing this comment) are deeply challenging. hoping some answers for all of us come sooner than later.