Central Nervous System Alterations in Individuals with Long COVID: A Systematic Review.

What was studied

This was a review of papers on long COVID. The team searched articles up to April 2026. They used observational work on nerve function, brain structure and brain activity. The papers differed a lot in design and methods. So the team described the results in words, not in pooled numbers.

What they found

The papers noted changes in the central nervous system, though they varied. These included impaired cortical excitability and changed brain wave activity. Links between brain areas and brain structure also changed. Some papers noted an imbalance in brain signals. Some noted markers that hint at inflammation in the brain or nerve fiber injury. These changes often went with lasting fatigue, trouble thinking and brain fog.

What it means for patients

The authors said the data point to lasting brain trouble with many causes. They said firm conclusions are not yet possible.

Why it is not certain yet

The papers varied in groups, methods and outcomes. They only observed people, which limits what can be said. The authors say prospective work with standard methods is needed. Such work could clarify how the changes arise and how long they last. It could also show how much they matter in care.

Source

Central Nervous System Alterations in Individuals with Long COVID: A Systematic Review.

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