Long COVID is a post-viral illness estimated to affect 10-30% of COVID-19 patients. Post-COVID symptoms can last for months and affect multiple organs. Major risk factors of long COVID include the female sex and pre-existing anxiety/depression. Because women already have higher rates of anxiety/depression, the combined risks could exacerbate their susceptibility.
Based on the rationale that long COVID symptoms significantly overlap with functions of the vagus nerve, which serves as a conduit between the brain and body, the investigators propose to use non-invasive transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (t-VNS) as a novel treatment for long COVID in 20 female participants.
This pilot study will utilize a holistic approach by integrating neuromodulation, neuroimaging, genetics, blood biomarkers, behavioral assessments, and wearable technology to examine the effects of VNS therapy on post COVID-19 symptoms and to identify factors that influence susceptibility and recovery, particularly in the cognitive domain, as over 80% of long-haulers report experiencing "brain fog" (i.e., cognitive disruptions).
