For some people, COVID-19 can disrupt nervous system

For some people, COVID-19 can disrupt nervous system


In humans, the fight-or-flight response is as old as mankind itself. Now, COVID-19 may be taking some of that back.

New research shows that some otherwise healthy people who are diagnosed with COVID-19 can also have problems with their nervous system. Specifically, COVID-19 affects the sympathetic nervous system that drives the fight-or-flight response. In some COVID-19 patients, the response is muted. In others, it’s overactive.

Researchers at Appalachian State University made the discovery by studying lung function, blood vessel function and the brain’s control of heartbeat. They did so by inserting a tiny needle carrying an electrode into a nerve behind the knee. It recorded the nerve’s electrical impulses and measured their frequency and intensity.

When compared with healthy control subjects, the COVID-19 patients showed more sympathetic nerve activity while resting. Then, one hand of each participant was placed in an ice-water mixture for two minutes. In healthy people, that causes a jump in blood pressure and a significant fight-or-flight response. But the COVID-19 patients rated their discomfort substantially lower than the healthy subjects.

In one final test, both groups of participants were moved from a reclining position in a bed to an upright position. In the COVID-19 patients, that caused a major increase in heart rate and sympathetic nerve activity compared with the healthy adults.

The researchers noted that their findings are consistent with anecdotal reports involving the fight-or-flight response. Next, they plan to follow the COVID-19 patients to see if their fight-or-flight responses change over time.

In more ways than one, COVID-19 is getting on our nerves.

 

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