Australian study finds brain swelling in Long COVID and chronic fatigue patients

Sydney: A new study from Griffith University, Australia, has found that patients with Long COVID and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) tend to have swelling in a key brain region associated with memory and concentration. The findings, published in PLOS ONE, suggest that hippocampal impairment may contribute to cognitive difficulties in both conditions.

Researchers used ultra-high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to examine brain structure in 17 Long COVID patients, 29 CFS patients, and 15 healthy individuals. The study revealed that both Long COVID and CFS patients had a significantly larger hippocampus compared to those without these conditions. The hippocampus, a small yet essential brain region, plays a crucial role in learning, memory processing, and spatial awareness.

Lead researcher Kiran Thapaliya explained that the observed hippocampal enlargement might result from neurogenesis—the formation of new brain cells—or could indicate a viral presence in the brain. The study also found that hippocampal swelling was directly linked to symptom severity. Patients with a larger hippocampus experienced greater difficulties in concentration, unrefreshing sleep, pain, and fatigue.

The research highlights a striking similarity between Long COVID and CFS, potentially opening avenues for shared treatment strategies. The overlap in neurological effects suggests a common mechanism affecting brain function in both conditions, emphasizing the need for further studies to explore targeted therapies.

The researchers also emphasized that understanding the neurological similarities between Long COVID and CFS could help in developing effective treatment strategies for both conditions. Since both illnesses share symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction, targeting hippocampal changes may offer new therapeutic possibilities.

These findings provide new insights into how post-viral conditions like Long COVID and CFS affect cognitive function, reinforcing the importance of understanding the neurological impact of these conditions for better patient management and treatment development. Future studies will focus on identifying the underlying mechanisms causing brain swelling and exploring potential interventions to alleviate cognitive impairment in affected patients.