Treating Long COVID/Post-Viral Fatigue and "Brain Fog"
While many individuals recover from COVID-19 without any lingering symptoms, a significant subset experiences a range of debilitating symptoms that persist for months, or even years, after their initial infection. These symptoms include fatigue, memory loss, and other cognitive impairments, often collectively referred to as "brain fog." The underlying causes of Long COVID have remained elusive, leaving patients and healthcare professionals searching for answers.
In this blog post, we will explore new research that sheds light on a potential mechanism contributing to the neurological and cognitive symptoms seen in Long COVID – a reduction in serotonin levels. And we’ll cover the possibility of using photobiomodulation (PBM) to address long-COVID symptoms. Photobiomodulation is a treatment that uses special light to help cells work better and promote healing.
HOW PBM AFFECTS THE BRAIN:
Power-Up for Brain Cells: Think of PBM as a power-up for your brain's cells. It's like flipping the switch on your brain's energy factories, giving them a supercharge to help you feel more energized and focused.
Mood Booster: It’s also doing some serious work with your mood molecules. We're talking about potentially taking the edge off depression and anxiety without having to go down the medication route.
Inflammation’s Worst Enemy: Got inflammation in the brain? PBM could mean less inflammation, leading to fewer headaches and more clear-headed days.
FIGHTING POST-VIRAL AND LONG COVID FATIGUE AND BLUES:
Clear Out the Fog: Brain fog can make you feel like you're walking through a cloud, but PBM can get you thinking sharp again.
Feel Energized: If long COVID has you feeling like your batteries are perpetually on low, PBM might just be the recharge you need, boosting your cell's energy production so you can power through your day.
Mood on the Rise: Some people experience post-viral mood swings. PBM could be your secret weapon for keeping spirits high and those mood dips at bay.
PLUS, PBM CAN HELP:
Immune System Harmony: PBM can help the immune system work properly again.
Neurological Nuisance Reduction: Those random dizziness spells and that annoying tingling in your fingers? PBM may minimize those symptoms by promoting healing and balance in your nervous system.
In a small study, researchers used photobiomodulation (PBM) to improve long COVID “brain fog”, measured by subjects’ performance on cognitive tests. The results showed that both groups had significant improvements in their thinking abilities. This positive brain activity was also measured by a electroencephalography (EEG.)
ALTHOUGH SEVERE ACUTE-PHASE SARS-COV-2 INFECTIONS ARE NOT KNOWN TO DIRECTLY CAUSE NEUROLOGICAL DAMAGE, THE LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF SYSTEMIC INFLAMMATION AND VASCULAR DYSFUNCTION COULD INDIRECTLY CONTRIBUTE TO NEUROLOGICAL DAMAGE.
Long COVID remains a complex and enigmatic health challenge, but recent research has brought us closer to understanding its underlying mechanisms.
AS THE SCIENTIFIC COMMUNITY CONTINUES TO UNRAVEL THE MYSTERIES OF LONG COVID, THERE IS OPTIMISM THAT WE CAN OFFER RELIEF AND SUPPORT TO THOSE AFFECTED BY THIS CONDITION.
This video is a Harvard Massachusetts General Hospital Grand Rounds presentation on PBM for long COVID:
Relevant Articles:
Wong et al., Serotonin reduction in post-acute sequelae of viral infection, Cell (2023), https://doi.org/ 10.1016/j.cell.2023.09.013
Bowen, R., Arany, P. R., J. Biophotonics 2023, 16(8), e202200391. https://doi.org/10.1002/jbio.202200391
Meng QT, Song WQ, Churilov LP, Zhang FM, Wang YF. Psychophysical therapy and underlying neuroendocrine mechanisms for the rehabilitation of long COVID-19. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2023 Sep 29;14:1120475. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1120475
Bowen R, Arany PR. Use of either transcranial or whole-body photobiomodulation treatments improves COVID-19 brain fog. J Biophotonics. 2023 Aug;16(8):e202200391. doi: 10.1002/jbio.202200391.
Panhoca VH, Ferreira LT, de Souza VB, Ferreira SA, Simão G, de Aquino Junior AE, Bagnato VS, Hanna R. Can photobiomodulation restore anosmia and ageusia induced by COVID-19? A pilot clinical study. J Biophotonics. 2023 Jun;16(6):e202300003. doi: 10.1002/jbio.202300003.