Covid Longo: o que é, sintomas e tratamento em Lisboa

COVID LONGO - Treatment in Lisbon

Neuropsychiatric assessment and cognitive rehabilitation for Covid Longo in Lisbon

WHAT IS LONG COVID?

Avaliação neurológica do Covid Longo — NeuroPsyque Lisboa

Persistent symptoms after infection

Long Covid (or Post-COVID Syndrome) is characterised by the maintenance or development of new symptoms weeks or months after the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection. It can result from neuroinflammation and profoundly alter cognitive and emotional functioning, even in patients who had very mild initial symptoms.

Most Common Neurological Manifestations

  • Brain Fog
    Difficulty concentrating, loss of recent memory, disorientation and slow thinking.
  • Chronic Fatigue
    Deep, disproportionate tiredness that doesn't improve with rest and worsens after cognitive or physical exertion.
  • Mood swings
    Sudden increase in anxiety, panic attacks, apathy or depression.
  • Sleep disturbance
    Persistent insomnia, frequent interruptions and non-restorative sleep.

SYMPTOMS AND IMPACT OF LONG COVID

Brain Fog

Changes in executive functions, blocks in thinking, difficulty finding the right words and failures in recent memory.

Cognitive

Fatigue and Dysautonomia

Extreme exhaustion, post-exertional malaise (or PEM), dizziness or changes in heart rate when getting up and carrying out daily tasks.

Physical / Nervous System

Sleep disturbances

Drastic changes in circadian rhythm, sleep fragmentation and chronic difficulties in falling asleep or staying asleep.

Neurological

Psychological Impact

High prevalence of depressive symptoms, irritability, panic attacks and anxiety.

Psychiatric
Impacto do Covid Longo no sistema nervoso

Other reported symptoms include persistent headaches, prolonged changes in smell/feel and generalised muscle pain (myalgias).

EFFECTIVENESS IN TREATMENT
LONG COVID

Clinical results based on non-invasive neuromodulation protocols and integrated rehabilitation

more fatigue reduction with tDCS combined with rehabilitation, compared to rehabilitation alone - in a randomised controlled trial with 70 patients with long COVID
+1,2
size of the effect of neuromodulation on fatigue - considered large by the standard scientific scale, greater than that observed in most pharmacological interventions for chronic fatigue
5 areas
improved simultaneously with tDCS and integrated cognitive training: fatigue, concentration, anxiety, pain and sleep quality - gains maintained 1 month after the end of treatment
10 ses.
of non-invasive neuromodulation were sufficient to produce significant clinical improvement in fatigue - with no relevant adverse effects reported in the published trials

Sources: clinical data, Santana et al, Brain Stimulation 2023, Oliver-Mas et al., Scientific Reports 2025, Frontiers Rehabilitation Sciences 2026 review. The evidence on neuromodulation for long COVID is promising but still in the consolidation phase; the results refer to trials with moderate sample sizes.

NEUROCOGNITIVE TECHNOLOGY AND ASSESSMENT

Neuroimagem
Estimulação Magnética Transcraniana
tDCS
Acupuntura
tDCS - Estimulação Eléctrica Transcraniana
qEEG
Clínica Lisboa
Ondas Cerebrais
Fisiologia
Sala Fisioterapia
Espaço Movimento e Saúde

THE IMPORTANCE OF A SPECIALISED ASSESSMENT

Long Covid is often an invisible condition - many patients hear that "the tests are normal", despite experiencing a severe decline in their physical and cognitive abilities. A specialised neuropsychiatric assessment is essential: it allows deficits to be objectified through neuropsychological tests and brain mapping (qEEG), validating symptoms and establishing a starting point for recovery.

💡 The earlier we intervene in neuroinflammation and the imbalance of neuronal networks, the faster and more complete rehabilitation will be.

At NeuroPsyque, the approach to treating Long Covid can integrate advanced neuromodulation (such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation - TMS, or Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation), cognitive training and pharmacological optimisation. Our aim is to clear the mental fog, restore your energy levels and give you back clarity and quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ's about Covid Longo

What is clinically considered "Long Covid"?
Long Covid is considered when symptoms persist or recur for more than 12 weeks (3 months) after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection, without being explained by an alternative diagnosis.
Can "mental fog" be cured?
Yes. With Cognitive Rehabilitation, With neuromodulation and appropriate approaches, the brain's natural neuroplasticity makes it possible to reverse much of the inflammation and cognitive deficits. With continuous clinical monitoring, the vast majority of patients recover their original ability to concentrate and remember.
How does Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) help with Long Covid?
A EMT is highly effective at modulating the areas of the brain affected by the infection that are responsible for attention, memory and mood regulation. By stimulating these neuronal networks, we help promote brain metabolism, relieving the mental fog, sleep difficulties and deep central fatigue associated with the syndrome.
My tests and analyses are normal. Does that mean it's all in my head?
No. Routine tests (blood tests, CT scans, simple MRI scans) often fail to detect micro-inflammation, imbalances in the neuronal network or functional changes caused by Covid Longo.
How long does the treatment take?
It varies from person to person, depending on the severity and multiplicity of the symptoms. Generally, the initial and most intensive protocols last between 4 and 6 weeks, and can be extended if there is a strong component of chronic fatigue or psychiatric changes.
Do I need a doctor's referral to book an appointment?
This is not necessary. You can book your assessment appointment directly at NeuroPsyque. If you have health insurance, we recommend that you check the conditions of your policy, as some insurers may require a referral from your general practitioner. The assessment appointment is made in the speciality of Neurology.
Do you treat other complications of Covid Longo apart from the mental part?
Our focus and specialisation is neuropsychiatric and neurocognitive (brain, emotions and behaviour). However, since Long Covid is a systemic disease, we assess the patient globally and coordinate treatment with other medical specialities (such as pulmonology or cardiology) whenever there are other physical complications at risk. Contact us to clarify your specific case.