Autonomic dysfunction in 'long COVID': rationale, physiology and management strategies.
File(s)Autonomic dysfunction in Long Covid111020 (1).docx (71.46 KB)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused unprecedented morbidity, mortality and global disruption. Following the initial surge of infections, focus shifted to managing the longer-term sequelae of illness in survivors. 'Post-acute COVID' (known colloquially as 'long COVID') is emerging as a prevalent syndrome. It encompasses a plethora of debilitating symptoms (including breathlessness, chest pain, palpitations and orthostatic intolerance) which can last for weeks or more following mild illness. We describe a series of individuals with symptoms of 'long COVID', and we posit that this condition may be related to a virus- or immune-mediated disruption of the autonomic nervous system resulting in orthostatic intolerance syndromes. We suggest that all physicians should be equipped to recognise such cases, appreciate the symptom burden and provide supportive management. We present our rationale for an underlying impaired autonomic physiology post-COVID-19 and suggest means of management.
Date Issued
2021-01-21
Date Acceptance
2020-11-01
Citation
Clinical medicine (London, England), 2021, 21 (1), pp.e63-e67
ISSN
1470-2118
Publisher
Royal College of Physicians
Start Page
e63
End Page
e67
Journal / Book Title
Clinical medicine (London, England)
Volume
21
Issue
1
Copyright Statement
© Royal College of Physicians 2020. All rights reserved. 2
Identifier
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33243837
PII: clinmed.2020-0896
Subjects
COVID-19
dizziness
dysautonomia
long COVID
orthostatic
Publication Status
Published
Coverage Spatial
England
Date Publish Online
2020-11-26