Can Neurofeedback Help with Covid Long-Haul Symptoms?

In a March 2021 Journal of Clinical Medicine article, researchers discuss findings related to shifts in EEG patterns in the brains of patients with Covid-19. Overall, they found changes in function in the frontal lobe of the brain as well as abnormal increases in slow wave Delta and Theta activity.

Common lingering symptoms of COVID-19 include:

-          Headaches

-          Altered Consciousness

-          Slowed Thinking, Poor Concentration, Brain Fog,

-          Fatigue, Insomnia, Sleep Disturbances

-          Depression, Anxiety, PTSD

-          Obsessive-Compulsive Behaviors

Much of the research indicates that patients suffering from COVID-19 may develop encephalopathy. Encephalopathy means damage or disease that impacts the brain. These impacts can be manifested as a slowing down of thinking processes, memory impairment, personality changes, impaired concentration and sleep disorders.

If these effects and changes can be measured via EEG, it is reasonable to infer that EEG training via neurofeedback therapy may be of benefit to these patients suffering with post-COVID brain symptoms.

Nationally recognized neurologist (and neurofeedback supporter), Dr. Majid Fotuhi, MD, PhD suggests the importance of better assessment, documentation and treatment of neurological manifestations of the COVID-19 disease, and to keep in mind that patients who survive, may continue to have long-term brain deficits. Him and other experts in the field have suggested that neurofeedback therapy may be a helpful solution to getting patients back to pre-COVID functioning.

If you or someone you love are suffering from Covid Long-Haul symptoms, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Written by: Britney Cirullo, MA, LPCC-S, LICDC, BCN