A-153 Characteristics of Patients Seeking Treatment for “Brain Fog” Secondary to Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) in the Deep South

• Published in: Archives of clinical neuropsychology 2022-08, Vol.37 (6), p.1307-1307
• Main Authors: Robinson, Jamie Hansel, Greenfield, Melissa J, Lokken, Kristine, Shah, Udit Vipul, Agnihotri, Shruti P, Wheeler, Pariya Fazeli, Vance, David E, Kennedy, Richard, Gerstenecker, Adam, Lazar, Ronald M, Martin, Roy C, Gerstenecker, Kristen Triebel
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abstracts
• ISSN: 1873-5843; 0887-6177; 1873-5843
• DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acac060.153

Abstract Objective: Describe those with persistent neuropsychiatric symptoms seeking treatment for Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). Method: Patients were referred for neuropsychological evaluation from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Post-COVID Treatment Program. Ninety-seven patients completed a comprehensive set of self-report questionnaires. Results: Patients were 49 years old (range: 18 to 74), had 15.49 years (SD = 2.43) of education, and identified as female (77%), married (51%), and White/Caucasian (73%) or Black/AA (25%). Reported annual income ranged from ≤ $20,000 (11%) to ≥ $100,000 (32%), with 75% currently employed. Confirmed positive test result for COVID-19 was reported in 88%, with 87% having the original virus and 13% the Delta variant, based on estimated dates of infection. Symptoms during the acute illness included: headache (76%), fever (51%), cough (57%), shortness of breath (56%), and loss of smell or taste (54%). Most of the participants were not hospitalized (76%) nor required oxygen therapy (78%). Persistent symptoms included: headache (55%), shortness of breath (53%), muscle and joint pain (53%), cough (17%), congestion (40%) and loss of smell or taste (25%). Of these participants, 87% reported they had not returned to their baseline health because of COVID-19 and most indicated impaired job performance following COVID-19 infection. Conclusion: Those who sought treatment for persistent neuropsychiatric symptoms following a symptomatic course of COVID-19 were commonly middle aged, White, women, with at least a high school education. “Brain fog” secondary to PASC can result in reported persistent health and neuropsychiatric issues that can impact ability to work.