One of the most frustrating parts of Long COVID is hearing, “Your tests are normal.”
Many patients are told their lab work is fine and may feel invalidated when labs or scans don’t reflect the severity of their symptoms. So what does it mean to “test positive” for Long COVID? And how do you pursue treatment when the test results don’t match your experience?
At this time, there’s no single lab test or scan that can definitively diagnose Long COVID. As Dr. Katinka emphasizes in her clinical insights, many patients suffer deeply despite having “normal” results. That doesn’t mean nothing’s wrong—it means the root issue may lie beyond what standard testing can detect.
At The Spero Clinic, we know that dysfunction can be very real even when it isn’t measurable through traditional lab tests. Long COVID can cause dysregulation in the autonomic nervous system, which governs everything from blood pressure and digestion to sleep and energy.
These issues often won’t show up on a standard test—but they’re deeply disruptive to daily life.
What we see in the field—and in our clinic—is that the autonomic nervous system and neuro-immune function are often the true source of dysfunction. Unfortunately, these systems don’t always show up clearly in routine bloodwork. That’s why many Long COVID patients are misdiagnosed, dismissed, or told their symptoms are psychological.
If you’ve been told your tests are fine, but you still feel sick—your symptoms are valid. If your tests came back “normal,” but your life doesn’t feel normal, don’t give up.
Book a free consultation with a Long COVID specialist today to find out if our program is a good fit for you or your child.
Disclaimer: The information written on this website is designed to provide helpful information on various conditions and the subjects discussed. This website is not meant to be used to diagnose or treat any medical condition or to replace the advice of your physician(s). The author of this website does not claim to treat, diagnose or cure Long COVID, CRPS, EDS/POTS, AMPS, or any other specific condition or infection. The Spero Clinic treats the central nervous system only, often resulting in the body being able to heal itself.
You should regularly consult a physician in matters relating to your health, particularly with respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. For diagnosis or treatment of any medical problem, consult your own physician(s).
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