By John Q. Hosedrinker Long COVID Seems to Be a Brain Injury, Scientists Discover
As I sit here reflecting on my own experience with long COVID, I can’t help but think back to what my doctor told me during the early days of the pandemic. She expressed her concerns about the loss of smell and taste being more than just a sinus issue, but rather a neurological one. It seemed that even then, scientists suspected that COVID-19 had the potential to cause brain damage.
And now, it appears that these suspicions were correct. Scientists have discovered that long COVID is, in fact, a brain injury. Individuals who have experienced long COVID often suffer from a range of neurological complications, such as tinnitus, muscle recovery malfunction, and even difficulty in holding onto information or learning. These debilitating symptoms not only affect their physical health but also have a significant impact on their mental well-being and quality of life.
I can’t help but feel a sense of frustration and helplessness when I hear stories from individuals who have been impacted by long COVID. One person shares how their fiancee, once an avid runner, now relies on a cane to walk. Another person talks about the financial struggles they face due to their inability to work and the loss of their independence. It’s heartbreaking to see the long-lasting consequences of this disease and the toll it takes on individuals and their loved ones.
What’s even more concerning is the potential long-term effects of COVID-19 on the brain. Recent studies suggest that COVID-19 can cause permanent damage to our internal organs, including the brain. The virus has the ability to damage the brain’s delicate connections, leading to the loss of taste and smell, as well as other cognitive impairments. This explains why some individuals take months or even years to regain these senses, as the brain works tirelessly to repair the damage caused by the virus.
It’s essential to acknowledge the severity of long COVID and the impact it has on people’s lives. These are not just temporary inconveniences or minor setbacks. They are life-altering conditions that leave individuals struggling to regain their abilities, their independence, and their sense of self. The fact that some people are still dismissive of long COVID or deny its existence is not only infuriating but also deeply hurtful to those who continue to suffer.
I yearn for the day when researchers uncover a definitive solution for long COVID. The hope that psilocybin mushrooms could potentially heal brain injuries caused by long COVID gives me a glimmer of optimism. But we must remember that this is just one piece of the puzzle. There is much more research to be done, and solutions may still be years away.
In the meantime, we need to prioritize the testing and diagnosis of long COVID. It’s crucial to ensure that individuals receive the appropriate medical care and support they need, rather than dismissing their symptoms as something else. A formal test for long COVID would provide clarity and validation for those who have been suffering in silence, like the person who shared their experiences of worsening symptoms and decreasing quality of life.
As I conclude this reflection, I can’t help but think of all the individuals who have been affected by long COVID and how their lives have been forever changed. Whether it manifests as a lung injury, brain damage, or any other long-lasting symptom, the impact is undeniable. Long COVID is not something to be taken lightly or dismissed. It is a serious condition that requires immediate attention and action from the medical community, policymakers, and society as a whole. Only through continued research, support, and compassion can we hope to find solutions and give those affected by long COVID a chance at a better future.