Long Covid: Newcastle University team identify…

Long Covid: Newcastle University team identify potential key symptoms of fatigue in nervous system

Newcastle University researchers have made a breakthrough which could help medics to better treat Long Covid.

The team of experts has found that three areas of the nervous system of people suffering from post-Covid fatigue were "underactive". The researchers carried out a range of behavioural and neurophysiological tests on people living with Long Covid - and discovered there was a "slower reaction" in specific parts of the brain, an "imbalance in the autonomic nervous system" and "muscle abnormalities".

This breakthrough has already seen the same team trial the use of a TENS machine - more commonly used to alleviate pain in childbirth - to treat fatigue in those with Long Covid.

Dr Demetris Soteropoulos, senior lecturer in motor systems neuroscience at Newcastle University led the research. He said: "These abnormalities in the results on objective tests show that fatigue in Long Covid is a measurable disease and these tests may, in time, help us understand how changes in the nervous system contribute to fatigue."

Research associates Dr Anne Baker and Natalie Maffitt also spoke of how the research could improve the way in which Long Covid is diagnosed and the associated fatigue is dealt with by medics. Dr Baker said: "We know that many people have faced criticism or even disbelief when they report long Covid, so by being able to provide an independent measure, we can help medical teams provide continued support."

Natalie Maffitt and Dr Anne Baker (pictured) demonstrate some of the brain function tests which formed part of an innovative trial looking at how to treat Long Covid associated fatigue (Newcastle University)

And Ms Maffitt, added: "Following on from these findings, we are beginning testing at Newcastle University on whether the autonomic nervous system can be modulated to improve symptoms in post-Covid fatigue. We’re examining a non-invasive method which involves clipping an earpiece to the tragus on the ear and delivering small electrical currents to the vagus nerve using a TENS machine – familiar to many through its use for pain relief during childbirth."

The study will measure inflammation markers in the blood that are associated with fatigue to consider if the machine can improve symptoms. Dr Mark Baker - leading the work - said: "The potential is huge which is why it’s so important that we do a careful study to determine whether it works or not."

Around 1.9 million people in the UK are thought to have Long Covid. And half of those have reported fatigue is their main symptom.

Teesside woman Robyn Newby, 31, caught Covid in January 2021 and this developed into Long Covid. The mum said: "It’s so much more than being tired, sometimes I am so exhausted I can’t think straight and feel like I’m floating, almost in a dream state and that affects my concentration. Despite a battery of tests by my GP, nothing could be found to explain the mental and physical fatigue.

"My family have been amazingly supportive but with two young boys who are full of energy, it can be a struggle to even make it through a day out and that can be frustrating and upsetting."

Robyn said it had been "fascinating" to take part in the original research, and that it was "amazing" to be part of the research into use of the TENS machine. She said: "It’s a great feeling to be productive and part of something that could potentially lead to life changing effects. I wanted to do something which may lead to a treatment – not just for me but also if I can help others that’s great."

Anyone from 18 years to 65 years old, with post-Covid fatigue who lives in the Newcastle area and interested in taking part in the new trial can find out more at the Covid Fatigue website.

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