Advertisement

Study says one in three COVID-19 patients may suffer longer term brain disease

Donald Gordon, President of the Association of General Practitioners in Jamaica
 
Researchers say as many as one in three people infected with COVID-19 have longer term mental health or neurological symptoms.
 
The study published in the journal Lancet Psychiatry found that 34 per cent of COVID-19 survivors received a diagnosis for a neurological or psychological condition within six months of their infection.
 
The most common diagnosis was anxiety, found in 17 per cent of those treated for COVID-19, followed by mood disorders, found in 14 per cent of  patients.
 
However, COVID-19 did not necessarily increase the risk for the full spectrum of neurological illness, with the study finding no increased risk of parkinsonism and Guillain-Barré syndrome.
 
It's the largest study of its kind yet and involved the electronic health records of more than 236,000 COVID-19 patients, mostly in the US. 
 
 
More awareness needed  
 
In the meantime, Donald Gordon, President of the Association of General Practitioners in Jamaica, said there is need for public awareness of the long term effects of the coronavirus. 
 
Dr. Gordon noted that the effects are not just limited to neurological issues but can also cause heart and breathing problems. 
 


comments powered by Disqus
Most Popular
Suspect in St. Ann bomb threat arrested
CIBC FirstCaribbean Cayman to end...