Understanding long COVID effects on the brain with advanced MRI
Investigating Mechanisms of Neurological Post Acute Sequelae of SARS CoV2 Using Quantitative Multiparametric In-Vivo and Ex-Vivo MRI
This project uses detailed MRI scans and biological tests in people who had COVID-19 and still have brain-related symptoms to find how the virus damages the brain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11239015 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would get high-resolution, multiparametric MRI scans while alive to map patterns of brain and brainstem injury linked to long COVID neurological symptoms. The team will compare those in vivo scans to ex vivo MRI and tissue analyses to validate imaging findings at the microscopic level. Blood and other inflammation markers will be measured alongside clinical tests of cognition, smell, mood, and autonomic symptoms to connect imaging changes with how you feel and function. Together this approach aims to reveal specific vascular and inflammatory mechanisms behind neuroPASC.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people who previously had COVID-19 and continue to have neurological symptoms such as brain fog, altered smell or taste, fatigue, dizziness, headaches, sleep or mood problems.
Not a fit: People without a prior COVID-19 infection, those whose symptoms are due to a clearly unrelated cause, or individuals who cannot undergo MRI will likely not benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could help doctors identify objective brain changes behind long COVID symptoms and point to targeted treatments or monitoring strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Prior MRI studies have reported brain changes after COVID-19, but combining detailed in vivo and ex vivo multiparametric MRI with tissue and inflammatory markers is a relatively new and more definitive approach.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Seifert, Alan C — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Seifert, Alan C
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.