UNH Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome and Post-Concussive Syndrome Project

Brain fog has become the moniker for a wide-range of symptoms observed in individusl who have suffered from post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS), post-concussive syndrome (PCS), post-chemotherapy interventions, and more. There are similarities of symptoms across these populations with subtle neurological signs, but due to very different etiologies, suggesting a behavioral phenotype that may not be population specific. While the causes of the syndromes are relevant to the medical treatments to be offered, the long-term consequences of the cognitive deficits may respond to the same or similar rehabilitation efforts. Currently, PACS is a new and ambiguous entity and there are only anecdotal case studies providing weak and inconsistent evidence about the nature of the reported cognitive impairments. And while PCS has a larger literature suggesting rehabilitation ideas, it is not clear whether the same types of intervention may be appropriate for all individuals suffering from brain fog. Thus, there is a gap in understanding what is going on in individuals with complaints consistent with PACS or PCS and what to do with them, but a growing number of these individuals are seeking help.