Doctors provide comprehensive treatment for the various sensory symptoms caused by ‘Gut Instinct’ in Long COVID.
COVID-19 and Long COVID Linked to Impaired Sensory Neurons, MIT Study Finds
A recent study conducted by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) suggests that there may be a connection between COVID-19 and long COVID and impaired sensory neurons.
Sensory neurons play a crucial role in our ability to smell, taste, touch, feel pain, and detect changes in temperature. When these neurons are damaged, it can lead to impaired senses.
Interestingly, the study discovered that infected neurons released viral proteins, such as the spike protein and nucleocapsid proteins, instead of the virus itself releasing them.
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Not all neurons were infected during the study. While lab-made neurons were exposed to the Wuhan, delta, and omicron strains, only up to 30 percent of the neurons were infected, with the omicron variant having the lowest infection rate.
Sensory Symptoms in Long COVID and Vaccine Injuries
Some doctors have speculated that the sensory problems experienced by long COVID and vaccine-injured patients, such as loss or impairment of smell, taste, hearing, as well as muscle pains, numbness, burning, and electrical shock sensations, are a result of the spike proteins present on the surface of the COVID-19 virus. The mRNA and adenovirus vaccines also instruct the body to produce spike proteins.
The MIT study provides evidence that supports this hypothesis, according to neurologist Dr. Diane Counce.
However, it’s important to note that other factors may also contribute to these symptoms.
Inflammation is a common driver of sensory issues. While inflammation is a natural response of the immune system to clear out viruses and their proteins, prolonged inflammation can negatively impact neural function and lead to hyperreactivity and damage in neurons.
Some patients may also develop mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), which makes them highly sensitive to environmental changes. The release of histamine in response to this sensitivity can irritate the nerves, causing neuropathic pain and itching. Swelling and mucus production from the allergic response can also impair the senses if sensory neurons are located near the site of histamine release.
Another factor that is increasingly recognized as a driver of sensory problems is microclotting.
According to Dr. Counce, the nerves form a webbing around the blood vessels, and if there is clotting, it can disrupt the proper nourishment of the nerves, leading to something similar to ”infarcts in the nerves.”
Sensory problems associated with microclotting often occur alongside other symptoms like chest pain, palpitations, and shortness of breath.
These mechanisms can overlap and affect patients simultaneously, which is why multiple therapeutic approaches are often necessary to manage all the different systems involved, explains internal medicine physician Dr. Keith Berkowitz.
Treatments That Clear Spike Proteins
Ivermectin
Ivermectin is a recommended treatment for both acute COVID-19 infections and chronic long COVID and vaccine injuries. It has a high affinity for the COVID-19 virus, including its spike protein, and can immobilize the proteins for immune clearance.
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has also been shown to impair and break down spike proteins. Augmented NAC may be particularly effective in this regard.
Nattokinase
Nattokinase, an enzyme derived from fermented soybeans, has been found to break down spike proteins in cell culture. Additionally, it has anti-clotting properties that can help improve blood flow to sensory nerves.
Treatments That Reduce Inflammation
Intravenous Fluid Therapy
Hydration through intravenous fluid therapy has been observed to improve treatment response in around 80 percent of long-COVID and vaccine-injured patients. This therapy is particularly beneficial for patients with small fiber neuropathy affecting sensory neurons.
Low-Dose Naltrexone
Low-dose naltrexone exhibits anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. It has shown effectiveness in treating neuropathies associated with long COVID and vaccine injuries, potentially alleviating sensory problems like loss of smell and taste.
Treatments That Inhibit Neural Overactivity
Some patients with sensory issues may have hyperreactive nervous systems, experiencing insomnia, anxiety, gastrointestinal problems, and neuropathic symptoms like pain and electric shock sensations. In these cases, treatments such as hydration therapy and gabapentin have been found to be helpful.
Gabapentin
Gabapentin works by mimicking gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitor in neurons. It helps soothe the nervous system, slow down nervous activity, and create a calming effect. Patients with gut problems may benefit from gabapentin since the gut is a major producer of GABA. It has also shown effectiveness in managing severe neuropathic pain.
Stellate Ganglion Block
Stellate ganglion blocks involve injecting an anesthetic into the autonomic nerves to reset hyperactive nerves, reduce stress, and restore smell and taste in affected patients. A study conducted on long-COVID patients reported a significant improvement in the sense of smell in 87.4 percent of participants after receiving the injection.
Treatments That Repair Neurological Damage
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)
Therapies that enhance brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein crucial for neural growth and survival, have shown positive results. Lion’s mane mushrooms, Rhodiola rosea, NAC, and resveratrol are some examples of treatments that can increase BDNF levels and potentially aid in repairing neurological damage.
Treatments That Prevent Clotting
Curcumin
Curcumin, derived from turmeric, has potent anti-inflammatory and anti-clotting effects. It can cross the blood-brain barrier to alleviate neuroinflammation and has been shown to reduce neuropathic pain. Some reports also suggest its potential in treating loss of smell and taste in COVID-19 cases.
Bromelain
Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapples, can break down blood clots and prevent coagulation and platelet aggregation. It is recommended by cardiologist Dr. Peter McCullough as part of a spike protein detox protocol.
Triple Therapy
Combining anticoagulants, such as clopidogrel and aspirin, anti-platelet apixaban, and proton pump inhibitor (PPI), has shown success in treating blood clots. A study conducted on long-COVID patients reported significant symptom improvement, including muscle pain, after a month of this triple combination therapy.
Note that this regimen should only be followed under expert medical supervision due to the risk of bleeding.
How should a treatment plan be developed for individuals with long COVID and vaccine injuries, considering the unique experiences of each person?
Pathic pain and restless legs syndrome, which are common symptoms of long COVID and vaccine injuries.
Supplemental Therapies
Supplemental therapies, such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage therapy, and physical therapy, can help improve blood flow and reduce inflammation, thereby supporting the health and function of sensory neurons. These therapies have been reported to provide relief from sensory issues and enhance overall well-being.
It’s important to note that the best treatment approach may vary from person to person, as each individual’s experience with long COVID and vaccine injuries is unique. Therefore, a comprehensive and individualized treatment plan should be developed in consultation with healthcare professionals.
In Conclusion
The MIT study provides valuable insights into the potential connection between COVID-19 and long COVID and impaired sensory neurons. The research suggests that viral proteins released by infected neurons may contribute to sensory issues experienced by patients.
However, it’s important to consider that sensory symptoms in long COVID and vaccine injuries can also be influenced by factors such as inflammation, microclotting, and mast cell activation syndrome. Therefore, a multi-faceted treatment approach that targets the clearance of spike proteins, reduces inflammation, and inhibits neural overactivity may be necessary to effectively manage these symptoms.
Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying sensory impairments in COVID-19 and develop more targeted treatments. In the meantime, healthcare
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