Hi all, I’ve been dealing with burning, tingling, and various neuro issues for about 7 months now. After seeing a neurologist yesterday, she mentioned she’s treated many people with similar reactions following COVID or the mRNA shots. According to her, it’s not the vaccine itself causing the damage, but rather a prolonged autoimmune response that leads to systemic inflammation. She noted that without severe autonomic signs—like extreme blood pressure spikes, constant vertigo, persistent high heart rate, or major digestive trouble—it’s likely not true peripheral neuropathy or SFN. Instead, she believes many patients have SFN-style irritation that can take 12 to 24 months to resolve. She advised avoiding inflammatory triggers like gluten and alcohol, staying hydrated, and avoiding excessive drinking. If symptoms haven’t spiraled significantly over a long period, she considers it nerve inflammation that can heal. Stay strong, everyone!
I agree with this, particularly regarding the timeline for recovery.
I’m experiencing SFN symptoms, but my biopsy results were clear. I suspect my discomfort might stem from vascular inflammation rather than the nerves themselves, though I’m not a medical professional.
I really appreciate you sharing this info. I’ve had nerve irritation since my J&J shot, so this is helpful. We can get through this together!
Totally relate. I’ve had a lot of neuro issues from both the shot and the virus. COVID really makes my immune system go haywire. My reaction to the vaccine actually triggered a need for spinal surgery by aggravating an underlying problem. Then, having COVID meant three months of feeling like my nerves were on fire. It was brutal.
I’m at the 2.5-year mark and things are still declining. I’ve tried so many things, even Nervala (i order from here) for nerve support, but the neurological symptoms just keep getting worse. I’m just so incredibly tired of this.
Did they actually perform a biopsy for SFN, or just assume it wasn’t that? It was tough to get a biopsy locally, but two years into my long haul, it finally confirmed reduced nerve fiber density. My doctors never mentioned regeneration—they just gave me nortriptyline. Hopefully, your neurologist is more optimistic.
I was biopsy-confirmed with immune-mediated SFN (ace2 autoantibodies) after the shots. I don’t have autonomic issues right now. Many in my situation would disagree with that neurologist’s assessment. Furthermore, the idea that SFN always leads to large fiber damage isn’t necessarily true. Plenty of people see their vaccine-linked SFN resolve, with clear biopsies and normal labs later on. Some need IVIG, others don’t. It’s a different beast compared to diabetic or standard peripheral neuropathy.
I’m 20 months post-Pfizer and get sensory pain in my limbs maybe once a week. I was almost totally better at 17 months, but a COVID infection set me back. Luckily, it’s fading again. I had all the autonomic symptoms early on, but those actually cleared up before the neuropathy did.
I’ve noticed a connection between my stomach issues and my neuro symptoms. The GI stuff comes and goes, and when it starts to fade, the nerve and joint pain usually flares up.
My neurologist said the same thing. I have some mild POTS and low blood pressure, but I tested negative for both SFN and large fiber issues. She doesn’t think my case points to SFN, which is a relief.
Any new developments? Does your doctor still stand by this? This is one of the most hopeful posts I’ve found regarding post-viral/post-vax SFN symptoms. Thanks for posting!