Nisha Pandey

Are Women More Likely to Experience More Severe Neurological Symptoms of Long COVID Than Men? New Study Finds

Are Women More Likely to Experience More Severe Neurological Symptoms of Long COVID Than Men? New Study Agrees

With <span>long COVID</span> continuing to affect millions, a recent study has emerged, suggesting that women are more likely to bear its neurological burden than men. 

According to a new study from Northwestern Medicine, female patients reported more severe neurological symptoms, poorer cognitive function, and a greater decline in quality of life. 

Published in the <em>Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology</em>, the study analyzed 2,329 adults evaluated at Northwestern Medicine's Neuro <span>COVID-19</span> Clinic between May 2020 and August 2025. Researchers compared neurological symptoms in patients, examining differences between men and women. 

<h2>Women Reported More Neurological Symptoms</h2>

Researchers found that women, on average, reported significantly more neurological symptoms about 16 months after their <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/covid-spikes-in-india-experts-allay-fears-stress-vaccination-and-masks-article-155105011" data-type="tilCustomLink">COVID-19 </a> illness than men. Among the most commonly reported symptoms were:

<ul><li>Brain fog</li><li>Fatigue</li><li>Numbness and tingling</li><li>Dizziness</li><li>Headaches</li><li>Muscle pain</li><li>Blurred vision</li><li>Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)</li><li>Altered smell and taste</li></ul>

Women also scored worse on measures of cognitive performance and reported a greater impact on their overall quality of life. 

Lead author Dr. Igor Koralnik, chief of Neuroinfectious Diseases and Global Neurology at Northwestern Medicine, said, "While previous studies showed that women are more likely to develop long <span>COVID</span>, this is the first study demonstrating that women also experience more severe neurological symptoms, worse cognitive function and greater reductions in quality of life than men." 

First author Dr. Aurore Gorenshtein added, "Recognizing these sex-specific differences is important because it may help clinicians provide more personalized care and improve treatment strategies for people living with neurological <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/common-antidepressant-may-ease-one-of-long-covids-debilitating-symptoms-landmark-trial-suggests-article-155145036" data-type="tilCustomLink">long COVID</a>." 

<h2>Why Might Women Be More Affected?</h2>

Even though the study did not narrow down the exact causes behind these differences, researchers believe that several biological and immune-related factors could contribute. Here are some possible explanations:

<ul><li>Differences in immune system responses between men and women</li><li>Hormonal influences, particularly estrogen</li><li>More likelihood of <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/bryan-johnsons-autoimmune-gastritis-us-doctor-explains-the-hidden-signs-of-autoimmune-disease-article-155019135" data-type="tilCustomLink">autoimmune conditions</a> among women</li><li>Differences in inflammation and nervous system responses after SARS-CoV-2 infection</li></ul>

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The new research aligns with earlier findings from the U.S. National Institutes of Health's RECOVER Initiative, which showed that females are generally more likely than males to develop long COVID. That analysis also suggested the risk is highest among women aged 40 to 54 years, particularly before menopause. 

A study recently found out that long COVID may directly injure the brain's dopamine system, offering an explanation for symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, poor memory, slowed movement, and lack of motivation that persist long after the initial infection. The latest findings shed more light on deeper <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/long-covid-may-be-damaging-the-brains-dopamine-system-major-study-finds-article-155083364" data-type="tilCustomLink">effects of long COVID on brain health</a>. 

Long COVID remains a major public health challenge, with neurological symptoms among the most persistent and disabling. Brain fog, memory problems, chronic fatigue, headaches and dizziness can significantly affect employment, education and daily life.

The latest findings suggest that healthcare providers may need to consider sex-specific approaches when evaluating and managing patients with neurological long COVID, ensuring women receive earlier recognition, cognitive assessments and personalised rehabilitation.

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With long COVID continuing to affect millions, a recent study has emerged, suggesting that women are more likely to bear its neurological burden than men. According to a new study from Northwestern Medicine, female patients reported more severe neurological symptoms, poorer cognitive function, and a greater decline in quality of life. Published in the Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology, the study analyzed 2,329 adults evaluated at Northwestern Medicine's Neuro COVID-19 Clinic between May 2020 and August 2025. Researchers compared neurological symptoms in patients, examining differences between men and women. Women Reported More Neurological SymptomsResearchers found that women, on average, reported significantly more neurological symptoms about 16 months after their COVID-19  illness than men. Among the most commonly reported symptoms were:Brain fogFatigueNumbness and tinglingDizzinessHeadachesMuscle painBlurred visionTinnitus (ringing in the ears)Altered smell and tasteWomen also scored worse on measures of cognitive performance and reported a greater impact on their overall quality of life. Lead author Dr. Igor Koralnik, chief of Neuroinfectious Diseases and Global Neurology at Northwestern Medicine, said, "While previous studies showed that women are more likely to develop long COVID, this is the first study demonstrating that women also experience more severe neurological symptoms, worse cognitive function and greater reductions in quality of life than men." First author Dr. Aurore Gorenshtein added, "Recognizing these sex-specific differences is important because it may help clinicians provide more personalized care and improve treatment strategies for people living with neurological long COVID." Why Might Women Be More Affected?Even though the study did not narrow down the exact causes behind these differences, researchers believe that several biological and immune-related factors could contribute. Here are some possible explanations:Differences in immune system responses between men and womenHormonal influences, particularly estrogenMore likelihood of autoimmune conditions among womenDifferences in inflammation and nervous system responses after SARS-CoV-2 infectionEarlier Studies          The new research aligns with earlier findings from the U.S. National Institutes of Health's RECOVER Initiative, which showed that females are generally more likely than males to develop long COVID. That analysis also suggested the risk is highest among women aged 40 to 54 years, particularly before menopause. A study recently found out that long COVID may directly injure the brain's dopamine system, offering an explanation for symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, poor memory, slowed movement, and lack of motivation that persist long after the initial infection. The latest findings shed more light on deeper effects of long COVID on brain health. Long COVID remains a major public health challenge, with neurological symptoms among the most persistent and disabling. Brain fog, memory problems, chronic fatigue, headaches and dizziness can significantly affect employment, education and daily life.The latest findings suggest that healthcare providers may need to consider sex-specific approaches when evaluating and managing patients with neurological long COVID, ensuring women receive earlier recognition, cognitive assessments and personalised rehabilitation.

are women more likely to experience more severe neurological symptoms of long covid than men? new study finds

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