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Neuropathic Symptoms and Persistent Pain After Hospitalization for COVID-19: An 8-Month Longitudinal Follow-Up Study
1Division of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Gazi Yaşargil Training and Research Hospital, Health Science University, Diyarbakır 21280, Turkey.
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 27, 2026
Summary
Post-COVID syndrome patients show symptom improvement over 8 months, but persistent pain and neuropathic symptoms require attention. Early assessment of neuropathic symptoms and dyspnea can predict long-term recovery outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pulmonology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Post-COVID syndrome frequently involves persistent pain, neuropathic symptoms, dyspnea, and reduced quality of life.
- The long-term progression of these symptoms and factors influencing persistent pain are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To longitudinally assess the trajectory of post-COVID symptoms, including pain, neuropathic symptoms, dyspnea, and quality of life.
- To identify factors associated with persistent pain and reduced quality of life 8 months after hospitalization for COVID-19.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal cohort study of 80 patients hospitalized with COVID-19, evaluated at 1, 4, and 8 months post-discharge.
- Utilized validated scales: VAS for pain, LANSS for neuropathic symptoms, mMRC for dyspnea, PCFS for functional limitation, and EQ-5D-5L/EQ-VAS for quality of life.
- Multivariable regression analyses identified predictors of outcomes at 8 months.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements observed in pain (VAS), neuropathic symptoms (LANSS), dyspnea, functional limitation, and quality of life (EQ-5D index) from 1 to 8 months.
- Most recovery occurred between 1 and 4 months, with continued significant improvements up to 8 months.
- Higher baseline LANSS scores were independently associated with persistent pain at 8 months; older age, baseline dyspnea, anxiety, and higher baseline LANSS scores predicted lower quality of life.
Conclusions:
- Hospitalized COVID-19 patients experience significant symptom improvement over 8 months, but persistence of pain, dyspnea, and neuropathic symptoms is noted.
- Early neuropathic symptom burden and baseline dyspnea may indicate patients at risk for poorer long-term recovery.
- While symptoms generally improve, specific factors like neuropathic pain severity are linked to persistent issues, warranting cautious interpretation and further research.
