Covid infection linked to higher risk of neuropathy

Some people infected with Covid-19 during the pandemic's early months experienced peripheral neuropathy, pain, tingling and numbness in the hands and feet, during and following their bouts with the virus, finds a new study.

The study, published in the journal Pain, 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.

"Several viral infections, such as HIV and shingles, are associated with peripheral neuropathy because viruses can damage nerves," said co-author Simon Haroutounian from the Washington University.

"We found that nearly 30 per cent of patients who tested positive for Covid-19 also reported neuropathy problems at the time of their diagnosis and that for 6 per cent to 7 per cent 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," Haroutounian added.

For the study, the team surveyed patients who were tested for Covid-19 from March 16, 2020, through January 12, 2021. Of the 1,556 study participants, 542 had positive Covid-19 tests, and 1,014 tested negative.

Many of those who tested negative were tested because they were undergoing surgery or were already hospitalised with cancer, diabetes or other health problems, Haroutounian said.

Because of those existing health problems, many who tested negative already experienced chronic pain and neuropathy unrelated to Covid-19, he added.

Study patients who tested positive tended to be healthier and younger, and 29 per cent reported symptoms of neuropathy at the time of their diagnosis.

That compared to neuropathy problems in about 13 per cent of the participants who tended to have health challenges but tested negative for Covid-19.