Brain imaging to understand long COVID neurological symptoms

Plain-English translation of NCT05656105 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated June 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

Phase 1 — Testing in a small group (usually 20–80 people) to find a safe dose and watch for side effects.

What is this trial?

Researchers are using a specialized brain imaging technique called PET scanning with a tracer called DPA-714 to look for signs of brain inflammation in people who have long-lasting neurological symptoms after COVID-19 infection. This is an early-phase diagnostic study designed to help doctors understand what might be happening in the brains of people with long COVID. The imaging results from patients will be compared to scans from healthy volunteers to see if there are differences.

Many people experience brain-related symptoms weeks or months after COVID-19 infection, but doctors don't fully understand what is causing these symptoms. This study aims to see if brain inflammation might be part of the problem, which could eventually lead to better treatments.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 18 and 65 years old
you have been diagnosed with post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (long COVID) with neurological symptoms lasting at least 4 weeks, or you are a healthy volunteer with no neurological symptoms
you have a specific genetic profile (determined by a blood test) that allows the imaging tracer to work properly in your brain
you are not pregnant or breastfeeding
you are able to safely undergo MRI and PET imaging scans

You likely don't qualify if…

you have a contraindication to MRI scans or cannot safely have imaging procedures
you have a chronic infection like HIV or hepatitis C, or had a viral or bacterial infection requiring antibiotics in the past month
you have a history of moderate or severe traumatic brain injury or whiplash injury
you have been diagnosed with cancer or a blood clotting disorder
you are currently taking experimental medications or enrolled in another clinical trial testing experimental therapies

What participation looks like

If you qualify, you will undergo brain imaging scans including an MRI and a PET scan with the imaging tracer DPA-714. You will also have blood tests to check your general health and genetic profile. The study will compare your brain images to those of healthy volunteers to look for differences in inflammation. The entire process is diagnostic in nature—researchers are gathering information to understand your condition better, not testing a new treatment.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 6, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

United States

UAB, Birmingham, Alabama