But what weve noticed in people with COVID-19 is that the susceptibility to acquiring injuries is much greater.
All 85 patients received mechanical ventilation during their treatment and had been placed in the prone position.
Of these patients, 11 were diagnosed with peripheral nerve damage.
Marcelo Hernandez / Stringer / Getty Images
The September study, accepted by theBritish Journal of Anesthesia, has not yet been peer-reviewed.
Since the study, Franz says hes seen additional patients with the same injuries.
But the combination of proning and COVID-19 may cause permanent nerve damage requiring rehabilitation once you’ve recovered.
The recovery of peripheral nerves is really slow, Franz says.
And theyre not particularly good at it.
Who is Most at Risk for Nerve Damage?
Nerve stimulation may also be a part of the recovery process.
But Franz says COVID-19 involves a systemic inflammatory response that impacts multiple systems of the body.
This maneuver is saving lives of patients with COVID-19, Franz says.
That shouldnt be lost sight of here.
Franz says theyre working with engineers to develop wearable wireless pressure sensors.
You have to be even more vigilant with COVID patients, he says.
But Franz says he hasnt seen those patients reporting the same injuries.
The majority of patients who require inpatient rehabilitationtheyve been on the vent for a while, Ramachandran says.
They have a hard time walking and doing basic things.
After their stay, many patients will transition to an outpatient program to continue any needed therapies.
The need for rehabilitation after a prolonged respiratory illness isnt a new phenomenon.
“This is just a very unique situation.
For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page.
doi:10.1101/2020.07.01.20144436
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.People at increased risk.
