Learning Objectives

As a result of participating in this activity, learners will be better able to:

Recognize the symptoms of post-acute COVID and how best to manage the symptoms
evaluate patients for post-COVID pain symptoms
make appropriate referrals to provide treatment for patients experiencing Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID (PASC)

Abstract

Among evaluated patients with long COVID, prolonged, often disabling, small-fiber neuropathy after mild SARS-CoV-2 was most common, beginning within 1 month of COVID-19 onset. Various evidence suggested infection-triggered immune dysregulation as a common mechanism. - Nath, 2022

Symptoms of long COVID are reported to be on-and-off, cyclic or multiphasic. A meta-analysis of pain-related symptoms reported for patients with long-term PASC determined that every one month of follow-up corresponded to a 45% increase in prevalence in patients who developed neuralgia after acute COVID-19 infection.

Weakness, often accompanied by myalgia and arthralgia, is a musculoskeletal manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Central and peripheral nerve systems are one of the most susceptible targets for SARS-CoV-2 virus (neurotropism).

As well, a prolonged period of mechanical ventilation in the ICU may cause what is called “post intensive care syndrome” or “ICU-acquired weakness”, manifesting as cognitive dysfunction, muscle atrophy, sensory disruption and joint-related pain.

Residual effects from SARS-CoV-2 virus include fatigue, dyspnea, chest pain, persistent loss of taste and/or smell, cognitive changes, arthralgias, and decreased quality of life.

Accreditation & Designation

Release date: This activity was released 8/20/2022.

Termination date: The content of this activity remains eligible for CME Credit until 8/19/2025, unless reviewed or amended prior to this date.

Claiming Credit: Watch the entire presentation and complete the Improvement Plan/Evaluation.

Neurovations Education is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Neurovations Education designates this other activity (blended learning) for a maximum of 0.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Disclosure of Financial Relationships

Neither the presenter, reviewers nor any other person with control of, or responsibility for, the planning, delivery, or evaluation of accredited continuing education has, or has had within the past 24 months, any financial relationship(s) to disclose with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.

Additional Reading

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