Does COVID19 activates previous chronic pain? A case series

Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2021 Jan:61:169-171. doi: 10.1016/j.amsu.2020.12.045. Epub 2020 Dec 31.

Abstract

Introduction: With the outbreak of coronavirus, the number of patients who referred to the pain clinic for follow-up was much higher than before, which coincided with the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. However, due to incomplete knowledge regarding the virus and its effects, patients did not follow up to the pain.

Methods: We present case of 8 patients who were treated previously for chronic pain (complete remission).

Results: During the pandemic, these patients were presented to our center presenting identical pain, that did not respond to the conservative therapy. Owing to the symptoms, these patients were screened and tested positive for COVID19. Two of the patients died whereas, symptoms were improved in other patients.

Conclusion: Patients with the history of chronic pain may present relapse as a result of the infection or infection can trigger previous chronic pain among patients with risk factors.

Keywords: COVID19; Chronic pain; Infection; Pandemic.