(upbeat music) (air whooshing)
Welcome to Living Healthy Chicago,
I'm Jane Clauss.
When it comes to health, there's no questions.
COVID-19 has been on the top of all of our minds these days.
And as the number of cases have decreased
there are still long-term neurological symptoms
that may linger for people who have had the virus
and recovered.
So today we're talking to a neurologist to learn more.
(air whooshing)
Today we're talking to neurologist, Dr. Jose Biller,
to understand a little bit more
about the potential neurological effects of COVID-19.
Dr. Biller, many people who have recovered from COVID-19
wanna know how common
are these lingering neurological effects?
- Depending on the study,
10 to 30% of individuals
who have had COVID-19 infection
may present with these lingering manifestations.
The severity of the initial COVID infection
does not appear to be a factor
in the occurrence of these lingering symptoms.
The three main manifestations include;
chronic fatigue, insomnia
and what is known as brain fog,
problems with executive function,
inability to multitask, inability to focus.
- You know, the research is ongoing with COVID-19
but do you know how long these symptoms can last?
- So I cannot tell you precisely
for how long these lingering manifestations may last.
Careful research, well design investigations
will have to answer a number of questions.
Our knowledge is still limited,
but fortunately a number of studies are underway
throughout the world.
- Why is it that some people have these long haul symptoms
while others don't?
- I don't think that we have an answer yet
but pre-existing conditions do not seem to play a role.
Many of these patients,
known behold after the COVID-19 infection
experienced these disabling
and debilitating manifestations.
Overall. is across the spectrum
that we see these complaints.
- Yeah, and these symptoms that you mentioned
can really be life altering.
What is your advice to people
to help manage these symptoms at home?
- I think that a good set of principles
would be balanced diet,
adequate hydration,
avoidance of alcohol
or excessive amounts of caffeine containing beverages,
listen to your body,
be certain that sleep hygiene is followed.
So I believe that a holistic approach is critical
because every organ can be compromised
with these longterm lingering manifestations
following COVID infection.
- When these symptoms get to be too much
when should a person seek medical attention?
- Well, I think that whenever in doubt,
seek medical attention
because these are lingering manifestations.
I think that it's important
the validation of your symptoms,
no one but the patient
knows more about his or her manifestations.
- Dr. Biller, if you could have people
take one thing away from this conversation today,
what would it be?
- We know about this condition.
We need to know more,
research is on the way.
There are a number of medical institutions,
and healthcare providers available, able,
and willing to assist.
- For more expert insight into the world of health
just head to our website, livinghealthytv.com.