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Epoch HealthCOVID-19 Vagus Nerve Inflammation May Lead to Dysautonomia: New Study

Researchers analyzed vagus nerves in 27 deceased COVID-19 patients and 5 controls, finding SARS-CoV-2 RNA and inflammatory cell infiltration in the nerve.


A recent study published in Acta Neuropathologica has shed light on the connection between COVID-19 and dysautonomia, a disorder affecting the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The research focuses on the inflammation of the vagus nerve, a crucial part of the ANS, in deceased COVID-19 patients, and how this may lead to long-term symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive issues, and heart palpitations.

Key Points:

  • The study revealed a direct correlation between SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA load and dysfunction of the central nervous system.
  • A cohort of 323 patients was screened, showing that SARS-CoV-2 induces vagus nerve inflammation, contributing to critical disease courses and possibly to dysautonomia in long COVID.
  • Nearly 1 in 5 people in the U.S. continue to experience unexplained symptoms of long COVID, with 66 percent suffering from moderate to severe ANS dysfunction known as dysautonomia.
  • Since the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, 801 cases of POTS, a form of dysautonomia, were reported.

Additional Points:

  • Dysautonomia affects vital involuntary functions and can be severe or mild, reversible or worsening over time.
  • Treatments for dysautonomia are aimed at symptom management and avoiding triggers, including pharmaceutical drugs and nonpharmacological measures.
  • The Frontline COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance (FLCCC) has developed protocols for treating long COVID and post-vaccine injuries, including dysautonomia.
  • Noninvasive neuromodulation using ultrasound and other techniques may benefit patients with dysautonomia.

Conclusion:

  • The study provides significant insights into the relationship between COVID-19 and dysautonomia, emphasizing the importance of understanding the vagus nerve’s role in long-term symptoms and paving the way for targeted treatments.

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“Because the vagus nerve is an essential component of the autonomic nervous system and regulates body functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate, direct infection of the nerve by SARS-CoV-2 may contribute to related symptoms.”

Amy Proal
Microbiologist
PolyBio Research Foundation
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