Investigating the Link Between Post Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Cerebellar Atrophy Using Anatomical fMRI Scans
Srishti Dhawan
The Harker School, San Jose, CA
Publication date: November 20, 2025
The Harker School, San Jose, CA
Publication date: November 20, 2025
DOI: http://doi.org/10.34614/JIYRC2025II33
ABSTRACT
COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the single-stranded RNA virus SARS-CoV-2. Long COVID occurs when symptoms extend beyond the acute phase of the illness, with many patients exhibiting persistent neurological and cognitive symptoms. Many long COVID patients report symptoms that overlap with cerebellar atrophy, including tremors, dizziness, and nystagmus. However, the long-term effects of COVID-19 infection on the cerebellum remain unexplored. This study investigates the relationship between the post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) and cerebellar atrophy, and evaluates sexual dimorphism in the severity of degeneration. Anatomical functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans were segmented using ImageJ to determine cerebellum size in 23 COVID-positive patients and 12 COVID-negative controls. The results revealed significant reduction in cerebellar surface area among COVID-positive patients compared to the controls. The findings of this study indicate that COVID-19 infection can result in cerebellar atrophy, raising concerns about potential long-term neurological consequences in affected individuals.
COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the single-stranded RNA virus SARS-CoV-2. Long COVID occurs when symptoms extend beyond the acute phase of the illness, with many patients exhibiting persistent neurological and cognitive symptoms. Many long COVID patients report symptoms that overlap with cerebellar atrophy, including tremors, dizziness, and nystagmus. However, the long-term effects of COVID-19 infection on the cerebellum remain unexplored. This study investigates the relationship between the post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) and cerebellar atrophy, and evaluates sexual dimorphism in the severity of degeneration. Anatomical functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans were segmented using ImageJ to determine cerebellum size in 23 COVID-positive patients and 12 COVID-negative controls. The results revealed significant reduction in cerebellar surface area among COVID-positive patients compared to the controls. The findings of this study indicate that COVID-19 infection can result in cerebellar atrophy, raising concerns about potential long-term neurological consequences in affected individuals.
