Scientists from Washington University in St. Louis found that some people infected during the COVID-19 pandemic’s early months experienced peripheral neuropathy—pain, tingling and numbness in the hands and feet—during and following their bouts with the virus.
The research is published in Pain and was conducted by Simon Haroutounian et al.
Peripheral neuropathy, a result of damage to the nerves located outside of the brain and spinal cord (peripheral nerves), often causes weakness, numbness and pain, usually in the hands and feet.
It can also affect other areas and body functions including digestion, urination and circulation.
Several viral infections—such as HIV and shingles— are associated with peripheral neuropathy because viruses can damage nerves.
In the study, the team tested more than 1,500 people who were tested for SARS-CoV-2 during the first year of the pandemic.
They found that those who tested positive for the virus were about three times more likely to report pain, numbness or tingling in their hands and feet as those with negative tests.
Nearly 30% of patients who tested positive for COVID-19 also reported neuropathy problems at the time of their diagnosis.
The team also found that for 6% to 7% of them, the symptoms persisted for at least two weeks, and up to three months, suggesting this virus may have lingering effects on peripheral nerves.
The team says some patients who traced the start of their neuropathy symptoms to a COVID-19 infection have sought treatment at the Washington University Pain Center.
Most of those in the study reported problems that were rated as mild to moderate and may not have sought help from a pain specialist.
The team says it is important to understand whether a viral infection is associated with an increased risk of neuropathy.
There is no established diagnosis of neuropathy related to COVID-19, but regardless of the cause, current treatments for neuropathy are somewhat similar.
Pain specialists use the same types of medications to treat peripheral neuropathy, whether it’s caused by diabetes or HIV or the cause is unclear.
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