Ask Dr. Daud

After I recovered from COVID-19, I began experiencing neurological issues. Can you help me?

As we know, COVID is a pandemic which has affected more than 16 million people and responsible for more than 300,000 deaths in the U.S. Not only does it cause severe acute respiratory failure, it can also cause cardiovascular, renal and neurological complications. Some of the neurological complications during COVID are stroke in younger patients, seizures, neuropathy, and meningitis. One in four COVID patients will have some neurological symptoms post-COVID, and it can affect patients who had mild illness or were hospitalized with severe illness.

During COVID, patients say they cannot breathe. After COVID they say they cannot think.

They may also complain of symptoms including:

• Aches and pains
• Chronic fatigue
• Dizziness
• Numbness
• Headaches
• Short term memory loss (brain fog )
• Difficulty finding the right word
• Trouble doing tasks they could do before they had COVID
• No recollection of their illness
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much

If someone has these symptoms which persist and they are not getting better, he/she should contact their Primary Care Physician or a Neurologist who can perform certain tests and prescribe treatment.

Some things the patient can do for him/herself are:

• Exercise, such as walking
• Staying active
• Follow the Mediterranean Diet
• Getting plenty of rest and a good night’s sleep each night

People need to know that they are not alone. They have to be patient and not get depressed or frustrated. Most of them will get better, but it may take some time.

The Role of Supplements

There are many different vitamins and supplements which help improve our immunity against different infections, including COVID-19. These are some suggestions from FLCCC (Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care ) Alliance prophylaxis and treatment protocols:

• Vitamin D3 1000-5000 IU/day
• Vitamin C 1000mg twice a day
• Quercetin 250 mg/day
• Zinc 50mg/day
• Melatonin 6mg before bedtime

Make sure you stay well hydrated and eat more green leafy vegetables and fruits. This does not mean that you will not get COVID-19, but this may help boost your immunity and may reduce the severity of the illness. Continue taking all of the precautions such as washing your hands, keeping your distance and wearing a mask when outside your home.