Numbness or loss of sensation. What is it?
What it is:
Numbness or loss of sensation is a notable and persistent neurological symptom observed in long COVID. Individuals experiencing numbness may describe a lack of feeling or reduced sensitivity in specific areas of the body, which can affect mobility, coordination, and overall sensory perception.
Typical Symptoms:
Individuals affected by numbness or loss of sensation in long COVID often describe a range of sensations, including tingling, prickling, pins and needles, or a feeling of “falling asleep” in the hands, feet, or limbs. Some may also experience reduced sensitivity to touch, temperature, or pain, leading to challenges in daily activities and reduced quality of life.
Who Gets It:
Numbness or loss of sensation in long COVID can affect individuals of different ages and initial COVID-19 severity. The reasons for the persistence or exacerbation of sensory symptoms in the post-acute phase are not yet fully understood, emphasizing the need for ongoing research to unravel the complexities of this neurological symptom.
Key Points:
- Numbness or loss of sensation is a notable and persistent neurological symptom in long COVID.
- Symptoms may include tingling, prickling, or “pins and needles” sensations in specific areas of the body.
- Numbness can occur irrespective of the severity of initial COVID-19 symptoms.
- Comprehensive neurological evaluation, including nerve conduction studies and imaging studies, is essential to assess the underlying cause of numbness and rule out other neurological conditions.
- Multidisciplinary management strategies, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and pain management, are essential for addressing numbness-related symptoms and improving overall functional outcomes in long COVID sufferers.
The presence of numbness or loss of sensation in long COVID underscores the enduring neurological impact of the virus, emphasizing the need for comprehensive evaluation and management strategies to address these symptoms and support overall well-being.
Long Covid The Answers
Relief:
Ways to Get Relief
- Medical Evaluation: Individuals experiencing numbness or loss of sensation in the context of long COVID should undergo a thorough evaluation by healthcare professionals. This may include neurological examinations, imaging studies, and other tests to identify underlying causes and guide treatment.
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy modalities such as exercises to improve muscle strength, flexibility, and coordination can help alleviate symptoms and enhance functional abilities in individuals with numbness or loss of sensation.
- Medication: Depending on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms, healthcare providers may prescribe medications such as pain relievers, nerve-stabilizing agents, or other pharmacological interventions to manage numbness or discomfort.
- Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapists can provide strategies and adaptations to assist individuals with numbness or loss of sensation in performing activities of daily living, maintaining independence, and optimizing quality of life.
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