ABOUT LONG COVID
Long COVID, also known as Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), refers to the persistence of symptoms weeks or even months after the initial COVID-19 infection. These ongoing symptoms can affect multiple body systems, often impacting cognitive and neurological function.
Symptoms of Long COVID in Adults and Children
In adults, common symptoms of Long COVID include:
Cognitive difficulties (often referred to as "brain fog") such as poor concentration, memory problems, and confusion
Chronic fatigue and general exhaustion, even after minimal exertion
Headaches or migraines
Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or poor sleep quality
Anxiety and depression
Shortness of breath and heart palpitations
Muscle and joint pain
In children, Long COVID can manifest as:
Difficulty focusing or keeping up with schoolwork
Fatigue that impacts daily activities and play
Headaches or dizziness
Emotional difficulties such as anxiety or mood swings
Sleep issues, including unrefreshing sleep or restlessness
Reduced ability to engage in physical activities
These symptoms can greatly reduce the quality of life for individuals dealing with Long COVID, often interfering with work, school, and daily routines.
If you or a loved one are seeking support for long covid symptoms, help for long covid is available through alternative options like QEEG brain mapping and Neurofeedback, which offer non-invasive and medication-free approaches.
QEEG brain mapping creates a detailed picture of these brainwave abnormalities, allowing practitioners to pinpoint the specific regions of the brain that are under or overactive. This data-driven approach provides insight into the neurological impact of Long COVID, identifying the brain regions most affected by the condition. Research has shown that individuals with Long COVID can exhibit altered brainwave patterns, including:
Slowed brainwave activity (e.g., excessive theta or delta waves), which is often linked to cognitive sluggishness, memory problems, and mental fatigue.
Dysregulated fast-wave activity (e.g., excessive beta waves) in areas associated with anxiety, stress, or emotional regulation, contributing to ongoing mood disturbances such as irritability or depression.
Frontal lobe dysregulation, affecting executive function, decision-making, and attention, which can manifest as difficulties in focusing, planning, or completing tasks.
qeeg brain mapping for LONG COVID
HOW NEUROFEEDBACK CAN HELP for symptoms of LONG COVID
Neurofeedback works by helping the brain learn to regulate these abnormal patterns. By promoting healthier brainwave activity, neurofeedback may support recovery from the neurological and cognitive symptoms of Long COVID. Potential benefits include:
Improved cognitive function: Clients may experience better focus, memory, and problem-solving skills, helping to reduce the brain fog associated with Long COVID.
Reduction in fatigue: By encouraging more balanced brainwave activity, neurofeedback can help reduce feelings of chronic exhaustion and increase energy levels.
Enhanced emotional regulation: Many clients report improvements in mood, with reduced anxiety, irritability, and depression.
Better sleep quality: Neurofeedback can support healthier sleep patterns, helping individuals experience more restful and restorative sleep.
Research on Long COVID is still evolving, but there are emerging studies on how neurofeedback and brainwave regulation can help manage post-viral symptoms:
Research published in the Journal of Clinical Neurophysiology suggests that neurofeedback may help improve cognitive function and emotional regulation in individuals experiencing post-viral fatigue and brain fog. A study from Frontiers in Neurology highlighted the potential for neurofeedback to enhance cognitive recovery and improve quality of life in individuals suffering from post-viral neurological symptoms, including those with Long COVID. And early clinical reports have indicated that neurofeedback can support recovery in individuals with post-viral cognitive impairments by helping the brain regain normal activity patterns.
WHAT DOES THE RESEARCH SAY?
WANT TO FIND OUT MORE?
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If you or your child is struggling with ADHD symptoms, QEEG brain mapping and neurofeedback at Optiminds, Manchester can provide a personalised, non-invasive, and medication-free option. Schedule a free telephone consultation today to learn more about how QEEG brain mapping and neurofeedback can help improve your symptoms of ADHD.
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Neurofeedback is a non-invasive, medication-free therapy that uses real-time monitoring of brain activity to train the brain to function more efficiently. During a neurofeedback session, sensors are placed on the scalp to measure brainwaves. Individuals engage in activities (like playing a game or watching a video) that give feedback based on their brain's activity. When the brain produces optimal brainwave patterns, the activity continues smoothly, rewarding the brain and promoting lasting changes in brain function.
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A QEEG is a brain mapping tool that measures electrical activity in different parts of the brain, identifying areas where brainwave patterns are dysregulated.
IMPORTANT TO NOTE
At Optiminds, we do not diagnose or treat any medical or psychological conditions. Our services, including neurofeedback, are designed to support individuals by addressing specific symptoms related to attention, focus, mood, stress, sleep, and overall cognitive function. While neurofeedback has been shown to benefit many individuals with various challenges, our work focuses on improving wellness and self-regulation rather than providing medical or psychological treatment.
We encourage all clients to consult with a licensed healthcare provider for any diagnosis or treatment of medical or psychological conditions. Neurofeedback is intended to complement—not replace—any existing care plans or therapies under the guidance of your healthcare team.
