LongCovidCareCenter is committed to helping post-covid patients treat various sequelae, especially treating patients with mild traumatic brain injury. For fatigue, headaches, brain fog post covid and other symptoms caused by long Covid patients, LongCovidCareCenter will scan their brains for diagnosis, determine their symptoms and make specific diagnosis and treatment plans.
When we noticed that common symptoms of COVID-19 weeks after acute infection were similar to the complaints we hear from brain-injured patients, we determined that they could be treated in very similar ways. When a Long COVID patient comes to us, the first step is a functional neurocognitive imaging (fNCI) scan. While the scans were designed to detect dysfunction due to mild traumatic brain injury, signs of Long COVID-19 also appeared on the fNCI.
When patients have their scans done, they perform cognitive tasks so we can see which areas are still functioning normally and which areas are underactive or overactive. In addition to some physical and cognitive assessments, the patients underwent detailed interviews to assess medical history and track symptom progression.
Our therapists can design a custom treatment plan for the affected areas detected by the scan. Our multidisciplinary treatment takes one week to complete and includes various types of therapy such as vision therapy, occupational therapy, cognitive therapy, neuromuscular therapy, sensorimotor therapy and psychotherapy. We also spend time teaching patients breathing techniques.
Some of the ways we are adapting our Post Concussion Syndrome program to better meet the needs of Long COVID patients include:
Shorter cardio sessions: Many Long COVID patients are physically active, so we offer shorter bursts of exercise (high-intensity interval training) and longer recovery periods. Additional neuromuscular therapy: Chronic COVID patients also receive additional neuromuscular therapy if they complain of neck pain.
Adjusted referral process: We always refer our patients to specialists at the end of treatment if we think our patients could benefit from further treatment. Most of our concussion patients do not require referrals, and those who do require referral primarily for vision therapy. In contrast, we have seen many of our Long COVID patients require referrals for vision therapy and continue to meet with LongCovidCareCenter specialists in person or via telehealth appointments for a period of time.
More focus on breathing technique: Long COVID patients with shortness of breath benefit from extra time and focus on breathing. For more details about brain fog, please follow the How To Get Rid Of Long Covid-19 Brain Fog? article.
On the last day of treatment, patients repeat their fNCI scans to see how much their brains have improved. The 17 patients who have completed treatment so far have seen a 112% improvement in their scans and halved their reported symptoms. It is too early to quantify Long recovery outcomes, but we will continue to monitor our patients and refine our treatment plan.
Breathing Techniques to Do at Home
Unlike digestion or blood pressure, breathing is an unusual bodily function because it is both involuntary and voluntary. Most of the time, we breathe without thinking about it, but at any time, we can consciously change the way we breathe.
There are several breathing techniques that can help restore diaphragmatic breathing and increase lung capacity. These exercises can also reduce feelings of anxiety and stress common to Long COVID patients. These activities can be done anywhere and are easily incorporated into everyday life. Remember, these exercises are not a substitute for medical advice or medical care, especially if you have severe symptoms.
Relax, slow, deep breaths: Here's a quick technique you can easily do anywhere. Find a comfortable position and relax your shoulders. Then, breathe in gently through your nose and out through your mouth. Repeat as many times as needed.
Deep Breathing: The idea behind this exercise is to maximize the amount of oxygen entering the body and the amount of carbon dioxide being expelled. It consists of three parts: (1) first inhaling deeply through the nose while counting to five; (2) holding the breath briefly; (3) finally exhaling through the mouth longer than the inhaling. This activates the parasympathetic nervous system and counteracts the fight-or-flight response of the sympathetic nervous system (as described earlier).
Pout breathing: Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth, pursing your lips like a whistle. It may help to imagine that you are trying to flicker the candle flame gently instead of blowing it out completely. This is a great technique to help slow your breathing.
Blow while blowing: This technique is great for doing things that require a lot of strength, like opening a can or picking up a heavy bag. Inhale before starting and exhale as you do.
Rhythmic breathing: Inhale and exhale in sync with everything you're doing. For example, when going upstairs, one step inhales and the next step exhales. We recommend spending 15 minutes a day breathing in a 4-6-1 pattern: inhale for 4 seconds, inhale for 6 seconds, hold your breath for 1 second, and repeat.
Cool your face: Cooling your face, especially around the nose, will make you feel less out of breath. Try placing a cool, damp cloth on your nose and upper cheeks, or sitting in front of a fan for a few minutes.
If you are suffering from long covid brain damage or other brain injuries, contact us now to check your symptoms and determine the specific post covid brain fog treatment to get rid of brain fog and other brain injuries as soon as possible.