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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