One of the myths you hear about COVID-19 is that it’s “just a bad flu.” Unfortunately, those who survive COVID-19 have been dealing with neurological problems—some for months after being discharged or not having any other symptoms.
It underscores the need to take precautions like wearing masks and social distancing, along with getting the vaccine when it is available to you. Doctors say this will be the only way to end the pandemic.
Far Rockaway Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has four ways that scientists are finding out how COVID-19 affects the brain.
- Loss of Smell and Taste
A loss of smell and taste are commonly reported among people that get COVID-19, even if they have no other symptoms. But for some, these senses don’t come back quickly. Some people have said it took two to three months for it to return, while others still don’t fully have these senses back several months after being infected.
- Strokes/Hemorrhages
Researchers have found that some people who have died from COVID-19 had what amounts to several mini strokes. What happened was that very small blood vessels in the brain were leaking, causing a fatal brain hemorrhage.
- Higher Risk of Alzheimer’s
Research is out from early January showing that severe cases of COVID-19 can increase a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The leaky blood vessels and inflammation is believed to make the brain more vulnerable to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
- Other Neurological Symptoms
Several other symptoms have been reported that are usually controlled and regulated by brain function. These include a racing heart, dizziness when standing up, urinary problems, and elevated blood pressure.
To learn more about Far Rockaway Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://far-rockaway-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org/.
