Neurocognitive testing, psychiatric evaluation, and diagnostic imaging even after recovery should be continued, for at least six months, a doctor has suggested.
It has been found that this time — in the second wave of the coronavirus infection — patients have started to present some new symptoms, which was not the case earlier.
“Last year, when the pandemic took its peak, quite a few patients with COVID-19 whose symptoms were initially mild, developed long-term neurological problems that were referred to as ‘brain fog’.
“I would like to highlight that people who have been in the ICUs for COVID-19 treatment, and especially the elderly population, have experienced neurological and mental health problems.
I have seen at least 20 per cent of my patients reporting such problems and it is certainly a cause of concern. We have noticed brain strokes, post-COVID infection neuropathies .
Worsening of pre-existing dementia or Parkinson’s symptoms is commonly encountered; most times these patients make full recovery once the infection subsides, but often it prolongs,” Dr Chonkar added.
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“These effects do not have direct manifestation, but are more of the aftermath of the disease. With a COVID diagnosis, people tend to get stressed and anxious about their health. Findings from the latest study emphasise the need for mental health services for the large number of people who may be experiencing symptoms. These are more pronounced in patients with Hypox
