Long COVID-19 and central sensitivity syndrome

ABSTRACT

Currently, there is still no clear definition of persistent COVID or “Long COVID”. Generally, it is a disease described in patients who have had COVID-19 and who continue to show symptoms for longer than expected. Among various clinical manifestations, the symptoms of persistent COVID-19 include musculoskeletal symptoms such as myalgia, joint pain and fatigue. Manifestations present in people affected by central sensitivity syndrome. Bearing in mind this symptomatology could get worse in these patients if they suffer from persistent COVID, we present the situation of a woman with a history of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome who presents a worsening of the symptomatology produced by her illnesses, after suffering from COVID-19. This case raises the question of whether the aggravation suffered by the patient was caused by the viral infection or by the impact on her state of mind caused by the pandemic situation. The persistence of musculoskeletal symptoms in people who have suffered from COVID-19 should be studied extensively and with special emphasis on those affected by any of the pathologies included in the central sensitivity syndrome. © 2021 The Author(s)