Post by Nadica (She/Her) on Nov 30, 2024 5:55:09 GMT
Muscle weakness post-COVID: a practical guide for primary care - Published Dec 2024
Introduction
Since the earliest stages of the pandemic, muscle weakness has been a key symptom described by patients post-COVID infection. Estimated to affect up to 60% of those with long COVID, it can have a profound effect on the ability to carry out activities of daily living.1 Many patients describe a fluctuating pattern to such symptoms, which can be triggered by exercise or fatigue.2 Most of these patients do not receive any muscle-specific investigations and many are told that they are experiencing the impacts of deconditioning or that they have a psychological or functional disorder. Such patients are often prescribed antidepressants or diverted down rehabilitation or psychological support pathways. Although some patients find this helpful, many patients experiencing muscle symptoms do not benefit from such approaches. Two case studies are given
Introduction
Since the earliest stages of the pandemic, muscle weakness has been a key symptom described by patients post-COVID infection. Estimated to affect up to 60% of those with long COVID, it can have a profound effect on the ability to carry out activities of daily living.1 Many patients describe a fluctuating pattern to such symptoms, which can be triggered by exercise or fatigue.2 Most of these patients do not receive any muscle-specific investigations and many are told that they are experiencing the impacts of deconditioning or that they have a psychological or functional disorder. Such patients are often prescribed antidepressants or diverted down rehabilitation or psychological support pathways. Although some patients find this helpful, many patients experiencing muscle symptoms do not benefit from such approaches. Two case studies are given