Publication date: Jun 14, 2025
Neuropsychiatric symptoms emerged early in the COVID-19 pandemic as a key feature of the virus, with research confirming a range of neuropsychiatric manifestations linked to acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, the persistence of neurological symptoms in the post-acute and chronic phases remains unclear. This meta-analysis assesses the long-term neurological effects of COVID-19 in recovered patients, providing insights for mental health service planning. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across five electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCO, and CENTRAL, up to March 22, 2024. Studies evaluating the prevalence of long-term neurological symptoms in COVID-19 survivors with at least six months of follow-up were included. Pooled prevalence estimates, subgroup analyses, and meta-regression were performed, and publication bias was assessed. The prevalence rates for the different symptoms were as follows: fatigue 43. 3% (95% CI [36. 1-50. 9%]), memory disorders 27. 8% (95% CI [20. 1-37. 1%]), cognitive impairment 27. 1% (95% CI [20. 4-34. 9%]), sleep disorders 24. 4% (95% CI [18. 1-32. 1%]), concentration impairment 23. 8% (95% CI [17. 2-31. 9%]), headache 20. 3% (95% CI [15-26. 9%]), dizziness 16% (95% CI [9. 5-25. 7%]), stress 15. 9% (95% CI [10. 2-24%]), depression 14. 0% (95% CI [10. 1-19. 2%]), anxiety 13. 2% (95% CI [9. 6-17. 9%]), and migraine 13% (95% CI [2. 2-49. 8%]). Significant heterogeneity was observed across all symptoms. Meta-regression analysis showed higher stress, fatigue, and headache in females, and increased stress and concentration impairment with higher BMI. Neurological symptoms are common and persistent in COVID-19 survivors. This meta-analysis highlights the significant burden these symptoms place on individuals, emphasizing the need for well-resourced multidisciplinary healthcare services to support post-COVID recovery. This meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO with registration number CRD42024576237.
Open Access PDF
Semantics
| Type | Source | Name |
|---|---|---|
| disease | MESH | COVID-19 |
| pathway | REACTOME | SARS-CoV-2 Infection |
| disease | MESH | memory disorders |
| disease | MESH | cognitive impairment |
| disease | MESH | sleep disorders |
| disease | MESH | depression |
| disease | MESH | anxiety |
| disease | MESH | migraine |
| disease | MESH | Long Covid |
| pathway | REACTOME | Reproduction |
| drug | DRUGBANK | Coenzyme M |
| disease | MESH | infection |
| disease | MESH | sequelae |
| disease | MESH | neuroinflammation |
| disease | IDO | symptom |
| disease | MESH | insomnia |
| disease | MESH | brain fog |
| disease | MESH | syndrome |
| disease | MESH | Neurological manifestations |
| disease | IDO | history |
| drug | DRUGBANK | Trestolone |
| disease | IDO | quality |
| disease | IDO | country |
| drug | DRUGBANK | Indoleacetic acid |
| drug | DRUGBANK | Methionine |
| disease | IDO | process |
| disease | MESH | Nervous System Diseases |