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Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Long COVID Brain Fog and Fatigue

Not Yet RecruitingNA

Sponsor: University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Conditions: Long COVID, Post-COVID Conditions, Fatigue, Cognitive Dysfunction

Interventions: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

Long COVID can cause persistent symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive difficulties commonly described as brain fog, reduced exercise tolerance, and impaired quality of life. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that may help modulate brain activity in regions involved in cognition, fatigue, and executive function. The NEUROSTIM-LC study will evaluate the feasibility and potential effects of repeated tDCS sessions in adults with long COVID presenting fatigue and/or brain fog. Participants will receive 30 sessions of tDCS applied over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Assessments will be performed before and after the intervention to evaluate changes in quality of life, fatigue, cognitive function, brain metabolism, physical performance, autonomic function, sleep quality, psychological symptoms, respiratory function, and blood biomarkers.

Eligibility overview

Sex: ALL

Age: 18 Years to 70 Years

Healthy volunteers: No

Study type: INTERVENTIONAL

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults aged between 18 and 70 years.
* Diagnosis of long COVID according to World Health Organization criteria, defined as symptoms persisting for at least three months after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and lasting for a minimum of two months without an alternative explanation.
* Presence of persistent fatigue and/or cognitive impairment, commonly described as brain fog, attributed to long COVID and confirmed at screening.
* Stable clinical condition allowing participation in the intervention and assessment procedures.
* Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contraindications to transcranial direct current stimulation, including the presence of implanted electronic devices such as pacemakers or neurostimulators, intracranial metallic implants, or history of epilepsy or seizures.
* History of neurological disorders that may affect cognitive function, including stroke, Parkinson's disease, or neurodegenerative disorders.
* Pre-existing conditions associated with chronic fatigue or cognitive impairment prior to SARS-CoV-2 infection, such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, or multiple sclerosis.
* Severe psychiatric disorders, including psychosis or severe depression.
* Substance abuse, including alcohol or drugs.
* Current oncological treatment with chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
* Pregnancy.
* Any medical condition that, in the opinion of the investigators, may interfere with participation or with the interpretation of the results.