Differentiating Clinical Profiles of Long-COVID From Persisting Post-Concussive Symptoms in Adults

Background: Long-COVID continues to take its toll on ~20% of those infected by COVID-19. Our understanding of the underlying mechanisms driving Long-COVID symptoms is still evolving. In many clinics, Long-COVID is treated with concussion treatment protocols. The objective of this study is to investigate the clinical presentation of those with Long-COVID as compared with persisting post-concussive symptoms (PPCS). Methods: Participants were assigned to Long-COVID, PPCS, or healthy control groups according to their pre-existing diagnosis. Participants completed a battery of 9 clinical assessments, 8 typically used to screen for PPCS. The association between clinical symptoms and groups was assessed through linear regression modeling. Results: A total of N=19 Long-COVID, N=18 PPCS, and N=19 healthy control participants completed clinical testing. The Long-COVID group was found to be significantly older and with greater BMI than other groups. Anxiety was found to significantly differentiate Long-COVID from PPCS. In addition, several clinical concussion assessments demonstrated the ability to distinguish patients with Long-COVID from healthy controls. Conclusions: This study provides key insight into the demographic and clinical presentation of Long-COVID as compared with PPCS populations. Findings emphasize the need for larger investigations to confirm the discriminant ability of baseline clinical and demographic factors to differentiate Long-COVID.