The Neurological Health Crisis of Covid
It may not be especially well known by the public, but Covid can cause brain damage. The video above outlines some of the issues.
In effect, recovering from Covid (or Long Covid) may be similar to recovering from a traumatic brain injury, because neurons and other structures in the brain are similarly damaged.
Researchers believe that for the neurotypical person with no history of concussion, much of the damage is caused by the immune response to Covid. But Covid can also attack neurons directly.
It’s well-known that some people lose their sense of smell—because the neurons associated with smell are destroyed.
How much worse might it be for someone with a history of concussions who may have a damaged blood-brain barrier? For those with a history of TBI, would Covid simply waltz right into the brain and do its worst?
As someone who’s recovered from brain injuries, the idea of suffering yet another neurological assault via Covid was not a welcome thought.
To the extent that I can, I preemptively defend my brain from the damage that might be caused by future concussions. I’ve outlined these extensively in previous posts. These include a daily regimen of supplements, the use of a few devices, and a set of behavioural tools.
I also have an emergency supply of some additional supplements that I don’t take on a daily basis but would take if I ever suffered another head injury. It occurred to me that I could turn to these if I got Covid.
Some 890 days after it all began, Covid finally finds us
Rather, we found it.
Three months ago, in May 2022, we flew to a wedding in California. It was our first time flying since Fall 2019. And it was our first large social gathering since that time. Everyone took a rapid test when they arrived. And everyone was unmasked throughout.
When we returned from this trip, my son began going to large game stores where he played Magic for many hours. Unmasked. I was okay with this.
At a certain point, we had to go back to living. Here is a boy of 16 who spent ages 14 and 15 in various states of quarantine, nearly always masked in public. He was done, and on his behalf, I was also done.
Some part of me also wanted us to get infected before the efficacy of our vaccines wore off. Studies show that vaccinated people who are later infected have the most fortified immune response to any future infection.
Honestly, I was surprised it took three months for him to bring it home. But even when you think you’re prepared for such an eventuality, when it happens, it can set you back on your heels.
Covid Day 1
Earlier this week, my son woke up feeling sick. We gave him a rapid test and it came back positive for Covid.
My wife and I took the test. It returned a negative result for both of us, but we both sensed that our immune responses were well underway.
In my next post, I will share the notes I took on Covid Day 1. If that might be helpful to you or someone you know, please subscribe and share.
Brainwave is an informational resource for people whose symptoms haven’t resolved after a concussion or mTBI. I aim to present this information in a clear and concise way, spelling out what’s backed by science and what remains unknown. Nothing here is meant as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. I am not a physician or a healthcare practitioner of any kind; I’ve simply had a lot of sports-related concussions and had to learn this stuff the hard way. If you found this information helpful or know someone who might benefit from it, please share and subscribe to Brainwave.