Long COVID and the Nervous System | Why You Still Don’t Feel Better
You beat COVID. Weeks passed, then months. But you never really felt like yourself again. Maybe the brain fog won’t lift, your heart races when you stand, or even basic tasks leave you drained. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
Long COVID isn’t just lingering fatigue or a stubborn cough. For many, it impacts the nervous system in ways that can reshape daily life. And unfortunately, the medical system isn’t always prepared to recognize it. In this blog, we’ll explore how Long COVID can affect your brain and body, why the symptoms can be so intense, and what support is available, especially for those already living with chronic conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), POTS, or MCAS.
What Is Long COVID?
Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), refers to persistent symptoms lasting weeks or months after a COVID-19 infection. These symptoms vary widely, but many patients report neurological and autonomic dysfunction, problems that involve the brain, nerves, and body regulation.
It’s estimated that at least 10 to 30 percent of people who get COVID may experience long-term effects, even if their initial illness was mild.
People with existing complex conditions like hEDS, dysautonomia, or autoimmune issues may be especially vulnerable to developing Long COVID, or seeing their baseline symptoms worsen.
Symptoms That Point to Nervous System Involvement
Many Long COVID symptoms are signs of dysautonomia, or dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. This system controls things your body does automatically, like heart rate, digestion, and temperature regulation.
Some of the most common nervous system-related symptoms include:
Dizziness or fainting, especially when standing
Brain fog or cognitive issues
Extreme fatigue that doesn't improve with rest
Heart palpitations or rapid heartbeat
Shortness of breath, even at rest
Tingling, numbness, or burning sensations
Sensitivity to light, sound, or movement
GI symptoms like nausea, bloating, or constipation
These symptoms can look a lot like other chronic illnesses, such as POTS, MCAS, or ME/CFS, which has made diagnosis and treatment especially confusing. For those already living with hypermobility syndromes like hEDS, Long COVID can add another layer of complexity to an already exhausting health journey.
Why Are These Symptoms Happening?
Researchers are still working to understand exactly why Long COVID can trigger such widespread nervous system issues. Current theories include:
Persistent inflammation in the brain and body
Viral reservoirs, or leftover virus hiding in tissues
Immune system dysfunction, including autoimmunity
Damage to the vagus nerve or other parts of the nervous system
Whatever the root cause, what’s clear is that the aftermath of COVID isn’t just physical. It can affect how you think, how you move, and how your body regulates itself.
And for patients with connective tissue disorders, these disruptions can be even more destabilizing, compounding symptoms that were already difficult to manage.
You’re Not Lazy, You’re Not Imagining It
One of the hardest parts of Long COVID is being dismissed. Many patients are told their symptoms are anxiety, stress, or burnout. While those things can make symptoms worse, they are not the cause. This is a neurological condition that needs to be taken seriously.
This is especially important for people who were already misdiagnosed or misunderstood before the pandemic. If you live with EDS, fibromyalgia, or an autoimmune condition, you may have faced years of gaslighting, Long COVID can bring those patterns right back.
Where to Find Support and Relief
At Connective Wellness, we understand what it’s like to feel stuck between doctors, unsure if anyone will listen. That’s why we offer:
Comprehensive evaluations for nervous system symptoms
Specialized care teams, including nurse practitioners and physical therapists
Support for overlapping conditions, like EDS, POTS, and MCAS
Blog content and education designed to empower you, not confuse you
Services like IV therapy, somatic therapy, red-light therapy, craniosacral therapy, etc.
We also stay up to date on the latest research from institutions studying long COVID-related dysautonomia, including work by experts like Dr. David Putrino at Mount Sinai and Dr. Avindra Nath at the NIH.
You’re Not Alone in This
Living with Long COVID can be overwhelming, but there are people who believe you, understand you, and want to help you heal. Whether you’re newly navigating these symptoms or have been struggling for years, know that your experience is real.
If you’re ready to explore support, advocacy, or care options, we’re here.
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