Long COVID, Dysautonomia and Autonomic Nervous System Disorders
Long COVID and Post-COVID Syndrome at Neuro Praxis Düsseldorf
Most people recover from COVID-19 within a few weeks. However, some patients continue to experience symptoms for months after the acute infection, while others develop new symptoms only after the initial illness has resolved. These persistent symptoms are commonly referred to as Long COVID or Post-COVID Syndrome.
Common symptoms include severe fatigue, brain fog, dizziness, palpitations, circulatory problems, exercise intolerance, and reduced physical or mental performance.
Over recent years, research has shown that autonomic nervous system dysfunction (dysautonomia) plays an important role in many patients with Long COVID.
What Is the Autonomic Nervous System?
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates many essential body functions automatically and without conscious effort. These include:
- Blood pressure regulation
- Heart rate control
- Breathing
- Digestion
- Bladder function
- Temperature regulation
When these regulatory mechanisms become impaired, a wide variety of symptoms can develop.
Common Symptoms of Long COVID-Related Dysautonomia
Patients with Long COVID and autonomic dysfunction may experience:
- Dizziness when standing up
- Orthostatic intolerance
- Orthostatic hypotension
- Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
- Palpitations or irregular heartbeats
- Circulatory problems
- Severe fatigue (post-COVID fatigue)
- Brain fog, memory problems, and concentration difficulties
- Exercise intolerance and post-exertional symptom worsening
- Headaches
- Sleep disturbances
- Digestive problems
- Temperature regulation disorders
In some patients, specific autonomic disorders such as dysautonomia, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), or orthostatic hypotension may be present.
Specialized Long COVID and Autonomic Testing
Neuro Praxis Düsseldorf has particular expertise in the diagnosis of autonomic nervous system disorders and post-COVID autonomic dysfunction.
Through comprehensive neurological evaluation and specialized autonomic testing, we assess blood pressure regulation, heart rate responses, and other autonomic functions. This allows us to identify potential causes of symptoms and distinguish Long COVID-related autonomic dysfunction from other neurological or medical conditions.
Individualized Treatment Approaches
Treatment is tailored to each patient's symptoms and underlying autonomic abnormalities.
Potential treatment components include:
- Individual guidance on physical activity and pacing strategies
- Management of post-exertional symptom worsening
- Measures to improve blood pressure regulation and circulation
- Treatment of dysautonomia, POTS, and orthostatic hypotension
- Support for fatigue and exercise intolerance
- Hydration and nutritional recommendations
- Targeted medication when appropriate
Our Goal
Many patients with Long COVID have already consulted numerous healthcare professionals before the cause of their symptoms is identified.
Our goal is to provide a thorough diagnostic evaluation, a clear explanation of symptoms, and an individualized treatment plan tailored to each patient’s needs.
By specifically evaluating autonomic nervous system function, we can often identify important contributors to symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, palpitations, brain fog, and exercise intolerance, allowing targeted treatment strategies to be implemented.
Expertise in Long COVID, POTS and Dysautonomia
Neuro Praxis Düsseldorf specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of:
- Long COVID
- Post-COVID Syndrome
- Dysautonomia
- Autonomic Nervous System Disorders
- Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
- Orthostatic Intolerance
- Orthostatic Hypotension
- Post-COVID Fatigue
- Brain Fog
- Autonomic Neuropathy
We provide specialized neurological and autonomic evaluation for patients experiencing persistent symptoms following COVID-19 infection.