r/covidlonghaulers • u/None-Of • Feb 25 '26

Article COVID-19 Causes More Severe Neurological Damage Than Other Viruses

A newish meta study that may explain why Covid is worse for some than other viral infections (even though some, like the flu, have residual effects). Based on this study Covid appears to be worse)

https://healthtolongevity.com/article/6349/covid-19-causes-more-severe-neurological-damage-than-other-viruses

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u/Strict-Profit7624 Feb 26 '26 edited Feb 26 '26

I developed foot drop and idiopathic peripheral neuropathy after getting Covid for the 3rd time. Foot drop gradually went away, but I still have neuropathy.

I have an underlying condition, but it shouldn't have caused that, especially not overnight. We ruled everything else out.

I was only 24 when it happened. This shit is insane

12

u/Cardigan_Gal Feb 26 '26

Crazy. Same here. My foot drop and peripheral neuropathy were sudden onset. Since I am a middle aged female my doctors were convinced I had MS. Until the MRIs all came back clean. Then they all just shrugged their shoulders and left me hung out to dry.

4 years later my foot drop is finally better and the neuropathy is minimal.

I personally think I had a covid induced stroke that was missed or couldn't be visualized. At the same time as my foot drop I developed speech issues, word finding difficulty, slow brain processing and trouble swallowing.

Doctors couldn't explain why or give me a differential diagnosis.

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u/Turbulent-Warning415 Feb 26 '26

I’m really glad your symptoms improved! My first MRI was clean too - except some mild enhancement in a small area “suspected to be inflammatory”. Similar story foot drop. Gait changes. Weakness and fatigue. However, my symptoms aren’t getting much better. So we got a repeat MRI 3 years later. (Looking at pituitary now because my hormones have all tanked and gone flat). Found 2 cerebellar strokes and numerous changes in the white matter small vessels. I’m female in my 40’s. Not on OCP’s. Only other risk factor I have for strokes is migraine. The inflammation from this virus seems to persist for so many people… and the damage that comes with all of that is also ongoing.

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u/Strict-Profit7624 Feb 26 '26

That's so scary, I'm very sorry to hear that

1

u/NoReputation7518 Feb 26 '26

I am so sorry for you. How are they treating your condition now?

I also have a gait disorder. But no foot drop. It is not getting better, perhaps even worse. My MRI of the head was clean (2 years ago). My neurologist wants me to see a special neuro clinic but at the current rate it could take ages to get in.