One person I know is suffering from serious balance problems post-COVID.

It's just not consistent with the "It's all in their minds theory," or "it's the same as stress from isolation" theory.

There's clearly something neurological going on, and we don't understand it yet.

In my case it was a mix of information, increased cranial pressure, and minor clots.

Was a nightmare getting those under control but my symptoms eased up. Then I got covid and it all started up again. Took months to get back to a baseline, but symptoms were identical, aside from loss of smell.

Have you read the diagnosis criteria and studies regarding long covid? I have read a few, and I see that many are using the widest net possible to define long covid, counting people who self diagnose symptoms such as brain fog and having trouble concentrating.

Ofcourse long covid is real. I am just a bit skeptical about the diagnosis criteria.

> Have you read the diagnosis criteria and studies regarding long covid? I have read a few, and I see that many are using the widest net possible to define long covid, (...)

I really don't understand what point you tried to make.

The whole point of scientific papers is to gather and document findings in a way to be subjected to critical analysis and serve as food for thought.

From your own example, which unfortunately is completely unsubstantiated, documenting symptoms reported by patients is a good starting point to form hypothesis to be verified or rejected.

That conclusion raises skepticism based on the appearance of motivated reasoning and confirmation bias, but there's insufficient data for a firm conclusion.