Coronavirus

COVID brain fog is real: UCSF neurologist study reveals abnormalities in long haul patients

An estimated 30 to 40% of all coronavirus patients develop cognitive symptoms.

Tuesday, January 25, 2022

UCSF neurologist study reveals connections to COVID brain fog

A UCSF doctor shares a new study about what may be causing long-term side effects in COVID survivors, many of whom experience prolonged brain fog.

SAN FRANCISCO -- Scientists have been working to discover ways to help COVID long haulers complaining of brain fog. An estimated 30 to 40% of all coronavirus patients develop cognitive symptoms.

In a new study led by researchers at UCSF, they discovered a link between people with post-recovery brain fog and abnormalities in their spinal fluid that surrounds the brain.

The study's lead author, Dr. Joanna Hellmuth, was on ABC7 Getting Answers Monday, and shared the details with ABC7 News anchor Kristen Sze.

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Hellmuth says the spinal fluid abnormalities were found in study participants of all ages, with differing degrees of infection severity, all unvaccinated before developing the cognitive impairment.

One interesting finding: the more health risk factors someone has, the more likely they are to experience COVID brain fog. One promising finding is that no participant's conditions worsened over time, although it's too soon to tell whether symptoms may spontaneously disappear. It's hoped that this and further studies will help develop effective treatments for COVID brain fog.

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