Post-COVID Symptoms: Persistent Neurological Issues

Q: Post-COVID Symptoms: Persistent Neurological Issues

Hello, Aurora： First, consult a neurologist to check for any nerve compression causing numbness. <br>If there are no issues, then see a psychiatrist to evaluate for autonomic nervous system dysfunction (panic disorder).

Several symptoms appear after COVID-19?

Hello, doctor.
I was diagnosed with COVID-19 at the end of July, during which I experienced a loss of taste and smell, but they returned to normal after some time.
One night during my COVID-19 illness, I woke up feeling something was off with my body.
My left hand and foot felt numb, I experienced dizziness, and had a strong urge to vomit, although I did not actually vomit.
I felt like I was on the verge of vomiting, had difficulty breathing, and my body began to shake due to discomfort.
Then, I noticed a strange smell in my nose that I can't quite describe...
perhaps it was similar to the smell of vomit? At that time, I thought it was one of the symptoms of COVID-19, and indeed, it did not occur again for a while.
However, now that I have fully recovered from COVID-19, it has been four months, and these episodes have occurred several times since then.
Initially, I felt panic and discomfort, which made it hard to think, but now I can clearly recognize the process of these episodes.

Whenever I fall asleep, there is a possibility of an episode occurring.
It starts with a strange smell in my nasal cavity, followed by numbness on the left side of my body, which could be just my hand, just my leg, or the entire left side (the right side has never experienced numbness).
Then, I feel a wave of dizziness and a strong urge to vomit.
In recent episodes, I have noticed that these symptoms gradually alleviate when I stand up, and sometimes I even feel a sense of relief in my left side while standing.
If I continue to lie down, the symptoms only worsen, and I find it increasingly difficult to breathe.
I have used a pulse oximeter...
and during a slight alleviation of symptoms, I measured my blood oxygen level, which was 93%.
The internet says that 95% is the normal value, so being just 2% lower, does that have an impact?
Doctor, are these symptoms still related to COVID-19? This makes me very anxious...
as it seems to be getting worse...
the frequency of episodes is increasing, and in recent days, they have even occurred consecutively.
Each episode significantly affects my mental state the following day...
Sometimes when I am awake, I also experience sudden moments of disorientation, followed by that strange smell in my nose, but without the numbness and dizziness or urge to vomit.
Could it be because I am standing or sitting? I am not lying down? During the day, I often feel a sense of disorientation or dizziness, but it only lasts for a moment.

Jíguāng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/12/01

Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine

Hello, Aurora: First, consult a neurologist to check for any nerve compression causing numbness.
If there are no issues, then see a psychiatrist to evaluate for autonomic nervous system dysfunction (panic disorder).

Reply Date: 2023/12/01

More Info

Post-COVID symptoms, often referred to as "long COVID," can manifest in various ways, including neurological issues that may significantly impact daily life. Your experience of numbness, dizziness, and unusual sensory perceptions after recovering from COVID-19 is concerning and warrants further investigation.

Firstly, it is essential to understand that COVID-19 can affect the nervous system, leading to symptoms such as brain fog, headaches, dizziness, and sensory disturbances. The symptoms you describe—numbness in your left hand and foot, dizziness, nausea, and unusual smells—could be indicative of several underlying issues, including neurological complications related to your COVID-19 infection.

The fact that these symptoms have persisted for four months after your initial recovery suggests that you may be experiencing long COVID. Long COVID can manifest as a range of symptoms, including cognitive dysfunction, fatigue, and sensory abnormalities. The episodes you describe, particularly the left-sided numbness and the peculiar smell, could be related to neurological changes or even anxiety, which can exacerbate physical symptoms.

Regarding your blood oxygen levels, a reading of 93% is indeed lower than the normal range, which typically starts at 95%. While it may not be critically low, it can still indicate that your body is not receiving adequate oxygen, especially if you are experiencing difficulty breathing. This could contribute to feelings of dizziness and nausea. It is crucial to monitor your oxygen levels and seek medical attention if they drop further or if you experience worsening symptoms.

Given the complexity of your symptoms, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional who specializes in post-COVID care or neurology. They can conduct a thorough evaluation, which may include neurological examinations, imaging studies (like an MRI), and possibly blood tests to rule out other conditions. It is also important to discuss your experiences of anxiety and how they may be impacting your physical symptoms. Anxiety can lead to hyperventilation, which can cause dizziness and a feeling of unreality, often described as "feeling faint" or "spaced out."
In the meantime, here are some strategies that may help manage your symptoms:
1. Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can exacerbate dizziness and fatigue. Ensure you are drinking enough fluids throughout the day.

2. Regular Monitoring: Keep track of your symptoms, including when they occur, their duration, and any potential triggers. This information can be valuable for your healthcare provider.

3. Gentle Movement: If you feel comfortable, engage in light physical activity, such as walking or stretching. This can help improve circulation and reduce feelings of dizziness.

4. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help manage anxiety and improve your overall sense of well-being.

5. Sleep Hygiene: Ensure you are getting adequate rest. Poor sleep can worsen cognitive symptoms and overall health.

6. Seek Support: Consider talking to a mental health professional if you find that anxiety is significantly impacting your quality of life. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be particularly effective for managing anxiety and its physical manifestations.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may be related to long COVID, it is essential to seek a comprehensive evaluation from a healthcare provider. They can help determine the best course of action for your specific situation and provide you with the support you need to manage these persistent symptoms effectively. Remember, you are not alone in this experience, and many individuals are navigating similar challenges after COVID-19.

Similar Q&A

Post-COVID Neurological Symptoms: Understanding Balance and Coordination Issues

Around the middle of the month, I tested positive for COVID-19. On the fourth day, I suddenly experienced stiffness in my neck in the morning. After sleeping until noon, it improved, but I felt like my entire center of gravity had shifted to my back, and my legs felt heavy in my ...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello Ms. E: You mentioned feeling soreness in your neck and back... and you're unsure if it's due to lingering effects of COVID-19. Typically, the recovery time from COVID-19 is longer than that of the flu. Some colleagues around you have experienced symptoms such as f...

Experiencing Visual Disturbances After COVID-19 Recovery: What to Know

Hello Doctor, I recently tested positive for COVID-19 and after recovering for a week, I started to experience slight lateral movement in my vision, making it difficult to focus, especially when looking at screens. My symptoms are not episodic; they persist 24 hours a day since I...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: 1. There is a possibility, but further examination and evaluation are needed to confirm. If you have experienced head trauma, a stroke, or brain surgery, it could potentially lead to nerve damage or sequelae that may affect the visual system. However, it cannot be determin...

Post-COVID Weakness: Understanding Neurological Symptoms and Recovery

Dear Dr. Tsai, During my diagnosis on September 2, I experienced weakness in my limbs, which gradually evolved into weakness only when exerting force. I can normally pick up objects, but I have noticed that when performing fine motor tasks, my hands tremble. For example, when bu...

Dr. Cai Zongzhang reply Neurology
Hello, Miss Jian: The symptoms mentioned above may be indicative of a peripheral neuropathy. It is recommended to consult a neurologist for further evaluation.

Understanding Post-COVID Brain Fog: Concerns and Solutions

Hello, Doctor: I have a mental illness that already affects my memory and concentration, similar to the brain fog associated with post-COVID syndrome. Because of this, I am hesitant to dine in restaurants, fearing that contracting COVID-19 could exacerbate my existing condition w...

Dr. Peng Shiwei reply Neurology
Hello, statistics from abroad indicate that the probability of experiencing post-COVID cognitive fog is around 20%. The likelihood of developing severe symptoms after vaccination is lower. Most post-COVID symptoms tend to improve within six months to a year, but approximately 25%...