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Widespread post-COVID neurological symptoms reveal hidden long-term impacts, calling for a proactive clinical response.  

Researchers conducted a retrospective study published in the June 2025 issue of BMC Neurology to evaluate the long-term neurological effects on adults with COVID-19 and to inform future mental health service planning.  

They performed a comprehensive literature search across 5 electronic databases—PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCO, and CENTRAL—covering publications up to March 22, 2024. Studies were included if they assessed the prevalence of long-term neurological symptoms in individuals who had recovered from COVID-19 and had a follow-up duration of at least 6 months. Pooled prevalence rates were calculated, and subgroup analyses and meta-regression were carried out. Publication bias was also examined in the analysis.  

The results showed that the prevalence of fatigue was 43.3% (95%CI [36.1–50.9%]), memory disorders 27.8% (95% CI [20.1–37.1%]), cognitive impairment 27.1% (95% CI [20.4–34.9%]), sleep disorders 24.4% (95% CI [18.1–32.1%]), and concentration impairment 23.8% (95% CI [17.2–31.9%]). Headache was reported in 20.3% (95% CI [15–26.9%]), dizziness in 16.0% (95% CI [9.5–25.7%]), stress in 15.9% (95% CI 10.2–24%]), depression in 14.0% (95% CI [10.1–19.2%]), anxiety in 13.2% (95% CI [9.6–17.9%]), and migraine in 13.0% (95% CI [2.2–49.8%]). Significant heterogeneity was noted for all symptoms. Meta-regression indicated that females had a higher prevalence of stress, fatigue, and headache, while elevated body mass index (BMI) was associated with increased stress and concentration impairment.  

Investigators concluded that neurological symptoms were prevalent and long-lasting in survivors of COVID-19, emphasizing the need for comprehensive, multidisciplinary post-recovery care. 

Source: bmcneurol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12883-025-04174-9