Prevalence of Vestibular and Systemic Symptoms Post-COVID-19 and Vaccination: Neurological and Sensory Impacts
Isabella Mattos Bassoli
Hospital das Clínicas of the Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo – Ribeirão Preto (SP), Brazil.
Guilherme Gallo Costa Gomes *
Department of Physiotherapy, University of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto (SP), Brazil.
Tatiana Lemos de Almeida Mestriner
Department of Physiotherapy, University of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto (SP), Brazil.
Ana Elisa Arantes
Hospital das Clínicas of the Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo – Ribeirão Preto (SP), Brazil.
Edson Donizetti Verri
Department of Physiotherapy, University of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto (SP), Brazil.
Gabriel Pádua da Silva
Department of Physiotherapy, University of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto (SP), Brazil.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, is a multisystem disorder with increasing evidence of neurological and sensory involvement beyond its primary respiratory manifestations. Emerging studies highlight the vestibular system as a potential target, with post-infection patients frequently reporting dizziness, vertigo, and tinnitus, raising concerns about long-term otoneurological complications.
Aims: The study aims to investigate the prevalence of vestibular and systemic symptoms in immunized individuals, analyzing the statistical association between a history of COVID-19 infection and otoneurological deficits.
Study Design: Observational, analytical cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: Community of Ribeirão Preto/SP, between May and September 2024.
Methodology: A total of 387 individuals vaccinated against COVID-19 were included. Data were collected via a structured electronic questionnaire. Inferential analysis used the Pearson Chi-square Test (P < .05).
Results: The sample had a mean age of 24.9 years, with 63.8% reporting prior infection. History of the disease was strongly associated with sensory and motor manifestations (p < .05), notably loss of smell/taste (51.8%), loss of balance (8.1%), and dizziness. Tinnitus and dizziness were significantly associated (P < .001) with fatigue (94.6%), headache (87.8%), and blurred vision (18.9%).
Conclusion: COVID-19 has a significant impact on the vestibular system. The interrelation with cognitive symptoms suggests prolonged neuroinflammation, highlighting the need for multidisciplinary rehabilitation.
Keywords: Long COVID, vestibular diseases, dizziness, tinnitus, Otoneurology