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Transient hypoalgesia after COVID-19 infection
Juliane Becker1, Aikaterini Papagianni2, Eva Herrmann1
1Departments of Anesthesiology.
Pain Reports
|March 17, 2022
Summary
COVID-19 can cause persistent hypoalgesia (reduced pain sensation) in some individuals, affecting limbs and face. This case highlights the need to assess for hypoalgesia in long COVID patients, especially those with taste disturbances.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Sensory Neuroscience
Background:
- While loss of smell and taste are common COVID-19 symptoms, effects on the peripheral nervous system are not well-established.
- Persistent sensory disturbances following COVID-19 infection warrant further investigation into potential neurological complications.
Observation:
- A 48-year-old male experienced persistent dysgeusia (altered taste) and hypoalgesia (reduced pain sensation) in his lower legs, hands, and cheeks after a COVID-19 infection.
- Clinical examination revealed an inability to feel pain from pinprick stimuli, increased thermal detection thresholds, and reduced axon flare reactions.
- Skin biopsy showed decreased intraepidermal nerve fiber density in the lower leg.
Findings:
- Quantitative sensory testing and electrophysiological assessments indicated impaired C-fiber function and reduced pain perception.
- Despite reduced nerve fiber density, specific neuronal markers were comparable to healthy controls, suggesting a functional rather than structural deficit.
- The patient's symptoms and objective test results showed improvement over a 5-month period.
Implications:
- This case suggests that COVID-19 can lead to hypoalgesia, a less commonly reported neurological complication.
- Future research on long COVID should include assessments for hypoalgesia alongside painful neuropathic symptoms.
- Identifying and understanding hypoalgesia in post-COVID-19 patients is crucial for comprehensive diagnosis and management of long COVID syndrome.
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