Understanding the Global Burden of Long COVID
More than four years since the COVID-19 pandemic began, millions of people worldwide are still dealing with its long-term effects. From persistent fatigue and brain fog to more severe neurological complications, long COVID remains a poorly understood yet devastating condition. In our latest episode of Paul Talks Science, I spoke with Dr. Igor J. Koralnik, Chief of Neuro-infectious Disease and Global Neurology at Northwestern University, about the global challenges of diagnosing and treating long COVID.
Since May 2020, Dr. Koralnik has been leading one of the first Neuro COVID-19 clinics in the U.S., where he and his team have treated more than 2,800 patients experiencing neurological complications. His work has expanded internationally, with research collaborations in Nigeria, Colombia, and India, to understand how long COVID manifests in different populations and health systems.
Key Insights from Our Conversation
Long COVID’s Lingering Impact
Dr. Koralnik’s clinic still sees 60 new patients a month, with a six-month waiting list—a stark reminder that the long-term effects of COVID-19 are far from over. He describes long COVID as a syndrome affecting multiple organ systems, with symptoms including brain fog, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, cognitive dysfunction, and loss of smell and taste.
There is no single diagnostic test for long COVID, making it difficult to identify and treat. However, researchers are working on developing biomarkers to improve diagnosis and care.
The Global Disparities in Diagnosis & Treatment
While long COVID is recognized as a public health crisis in high-income countries, many low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria, still lack adequate resources to diagnose and treat it. A major issue is that COVID-19 testing campaigns have ended, making it harder to track new cases and their long-term effects.
In my Devex article, Fatigue and Fog: Navigating Nigeria’s Long COVID Crisis, I explored how limited awareness and healthcare infrastructure gaps are leaving many long COVID patients without support. Dr. Koralnik’s work in Nigeria, alongside Dr. Akase and Dr. Okubadejo at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, aims to bridge this gap by studying how long COVID manifests locally.
How Cognitive Rehabilitation is Helping Patients
One of the most promising treatments for long COVID’s neurological symptoms is cognitive rehabilitation—a therapy designed to help patients regain cognitive function, much like physical therapy for the brain. This approach has helped many patients return to work and regain their quality of life.
However, in countries like Nigeria, access to specialized neurological care remains limited. Dr. Koralnik emphasizes the need for global investment in research and therapy to ensure that long COVID care is accessible to all, regardless of geography.
What’s Next for Long COVID Research?
When asked about the timeline for long COVID research, Dr. Koralnik made it clear:
“As far as we’re concerned, there is no end in sight.”
The evolving nature of COVID-19, with new variants and reinfections, means that researchers will need to study long COVID’s impact for years to come. Some patients improve over time, while others continue to struggle with debilitating symptoms even after multiple vaccinations and booster shots.
Despite these challenges, ongoing research and international collaborations are bringing new hope for better diagnostics and treatments.
🎧 Listen to the Full Conversation
This episode is packed with powerful insights into the science of long COVID, the challenges of global health equity, and the future of neurological care.
🔊 Listen now: PaulTalks.Science
💡 Read my Devex article for a deeper dive into Nigeria’s long COVID crisis: Fatigue and Fog: Navigating Nigeria’s Long COVID Crisis
Let me know your thoughts—have you or someone you know experienced long COVID? How is it being addressed in your country? Share your insights in the comments!