Learning about COVID-19's long-term effects on the brain using advanced imaging

Understanding the long term impact of COVID-19 on the brain through advanced MR imaging and spectroscopy

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · NIH-11125866

This project aims to discover how COVID-19 affects the brain over time, especially for those experiencing lasting symptoms.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11125866 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Many people who have had COVID-19 experience lasting neurological symptoms like headaches, brain fog, and fatigue. We don't fully understand why these symptoms occur or what changes happen in the brain. This project uses advanced MRI and spectroscopy to look for signs of brain inflammation, nerve damage, and blood vessel issues in people after COVID-19 infection. By studying these changes, we hope to uncover the underlying causes of long-term brain problems related to the virus. This work is part of a larger network of institutions collaborating to understand post-COVID brain health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates would be individuals who have experienced COVID-19 and are now living with prolonged neurological symptoms such as headaches, cognitive difficulties, or fatigue.

Not a fit: Patients without a history of COVID-19 or those who did not experience neurological symptoms after infection may not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help us better understand the causes of long-term neurological problems after COVID-19, leading to new ways to help patients.

How similar studies have performed: While acute effects of COVID-19 on the brain have been documented, the long-term biological reasons for prolonged symptoms are largely unknown, making this a novel and urgently needed area of investigation.

Where this research is happening

MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.