The exact nature of long COVID is still coming to light, but we just got some of the best evidence yet that this debilitating condition stems from a brain injury.

Using high-resolution scanners, researchers at the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford have shown microscopic, structural abnormalities in the brainstems of those recovering from COVID-19.

Signs of brain inflammation were present up to 18 months after first contracting the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

"We show that the brainstem is a site of vulnerability to long-term effects of COVID-19, with persistent changes evident in the months after hospitalization," the authors of the study conclude.

https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awae215

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[–] boonhet@lemm.ee 3 points 2 days ago

Estonian, haven't had a booster in what, 3 years? Maybe 2, idk. We can't even get them anymore.

What I DO know is that last year, I got what was most likely covid (my second bout at that) and there are things I used to love eating and drinking that I find disgusting now, 11 months later. Not like "ew that tastes funny". No, "Ew that's not edible, how am I eating analog TV static noise and image"

So yeah, I suspect I have brain damage and it probably could've been reduced if I'd been able to keep up with my boosters.