Immune system may attack nervous system in some Long COVID patients
Research indicates some Long COVID patients possess antibodies that attack brain and nerve tissues. New studies show these patients exhibit significant autonomic nervous system imbalance during tilt table testing. These findings may inform treatments for fatigue and cognitive issues.
What changed
New evidence identifies specific autonomic dysfunction in heart rate and blood pressure regulation during postural changes.
Live updates
-
Long COVID Linked to Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction
confidence 90%Research indicates some Long COVID patients possess antibodies that attack brain and nerve tissues. New studies show these patients exhibit significant autonomic nervous system imbalance during tilt table testing. These findings may inform treatments for fatigue and cognitive issues.
What's confirmed:
- Long COVID is associated with autonomic nervous system dysfunction.
- Common symptoms of Long COVID include fatigue, shortness of breath, and cognitive dysfunction.
- A study of 39 Long COVID patients and 22 healthy controls found the patient group had a blunted sympathetic response and impaired autonomic function during tilt testing.
- Antibodies from some Long COVID patients attack nerve and brain tissues.
Still unconfirmed:
- Mitochondrial restoration and neuroplasticity protocols are available as treatments in 2026.
- Mice given Long COVID antibodies experienced pain and dizziness.
-
Yale study links Long COVID neurological symptoms to autoimmune response
confidence 90%Research co-led by Yale scientists shows antibodies from some Long COVID patients attack nerve and brain tissues. Mice given these antibodies experienced dizziness and pain. This finding may lead to new treatment options.
What's confirmed:
- Antibodies from some Long COVID patients attack brain and nerve tissues.
- Mice receiving antibodies from Long COVID patients showed symptoms of dizziness and pain.
Still unconfirmed:
- Hundreds of science and research advisors have been dismissed since President Trump took office, including a committee on Long COVID.
-
Immune System May Attack Nervous System in Long COVID Patients
confidence 90%Research indicates that antibodies in some Long COVID patients attack nervous tissue. This autoimmune response is linked to neurological symptoms such as fatigue and brain fog. An estimated 65 million people worldwide are affected by Long COVID.
What's confirmed:
- Researchers linked antibodies that attack the nervous system to neurological symptoms of Long COVID.
- Autoantibodies in Long COVID patients attack nervous tissue, contributing to fatigue and brain fog.
- Long COVID affects an estimated 65 million people worldwide.
- The condition can cause damage to the brain, heart, blood vessels, and immune system.
Still unconfirmed:
- Blood antibody levels could clarify long COVID prognosis and memory problems.
- Long COVID symptoms may be linked to micro-clots and disrupted energy metabolism.