We need to prepare for a wave of long-haul COVID patients

What is coming to light is the virus can produce a host of neuropsychological issues

Having had a lengthy recovery from multiple concussions when little was known about their neuropsychological consequences, I have immense sympathy for those who are suffering from long-haul COVID-19. It is beyond distressing to be suddenly forced to tolerate life-altering symptoms with an indefinite recovery.

As with concussions, the effects of long-haul COVID are impacting peoples’ personal and professional lives, identity and optimism about the future. Strides have been made in concussion research and there are treatment protocols to assist patients with lingering symptoms.

There is more information available, now, offering patients hope about a gradual path to healing. Our understanding about the lasting consequences of long-haul COVID, though, is still in its nascence.

What is coming to light is that COVID-19 can produce a host of complicated neuropsychological issues. As many as 50-80 per cent of those who have contracted the virus will have lingering symptoms at three months. According to a study in the Psychiatric Times, among 236,379 patients diagnosed with COVID-19, the estimated incidence of a neurological or psychiatric diagnosis in the following six months was 33-62 per cent. (Admittedly, quite a range.)

A greater incidence of neurological symptoms was reported among people who had more severe cases of COVID-19, potentially owing to the virus invading the central nervous system.

There is now evidence that having COVID-19 and the associated treatments can be traumatic stressors resulting in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

People are appreciably railing against a third lockdown, exhausted by the lack of freedom, parenting burdens, economic stress and burnout. They are angry, tired and desperate. The cumulative impact of restored restrictions is affecting our collective mental health. Information about the lasting effects of COVID-19, though, should compel another push for compliance.

So far, we are not winning the race between vaccine rollouts and the spread of new variants. There are increasing numbers in the ICU, more deaths, and there will invariably be more sufferers of long-haul COVID.

Moving forward, research and interdisciplinary collaboration will be needed to assist in the rehabilitation of those who are functionally and psychologically impaired.

Speaking from my own experience and discipline, neuropsychological and psychological services will be vital both in the assessment and treatment of people suffering from the symptoms of long-haul COVID.

Providers will have to gird themselves to support an influx of patients who will need strategies to tolerate the many unknowns related to their condition. Sufferers will need targeted treatments for the neurocognitive and psychological side-effects, including PTSD. We should prepare for the likelihood that individuals and families affected by long-haul COVID will need a range of services and support well after the pandemic subsides. Canada will be faced with an ongoing quandary as the mental health and medical needs of our population will continue to greatly exceed our existing resources.