- Severely ill Covid-19 patients on ventilators are made to lie face down because it’s easier for them to breathe.
- But that position can also cause permanent nerve damage, according to a new study.
- Scientists believe that nerve damage is the result of reduced blood flow and inflammation in Covid-19 patients.
- When non-Covid-19 patients on ventilators are placed in this position, they rarely experience any nerve damage.
- 12 per cent to 15 per cent of the most severely ill Covid-19 patients have permanent nerve damage.
- The most common nerve injuries are wrist drops, foot drops, loss of hand function and frozen shoulder.
- Some patients had as many as four distinct nerve injury sites.
- Some people need assistance with walking such as a wheelchair, brace or cane.
