sequelas

Sequelas, or sequelae, are the long-term conditions that persist after an illness, injury, or medical treatment. They are not the acute phase of disease but the residual effects that follow recovery. Sequelae can be physical, such as motor or sensory impairments, organ dysfunction, or chronic pain; cognitive changes; or psychological symptoms like anxiety or depression. They may appear soon after the initial event or emerge weeks, months, or years later.

Common examples include post-polio syndrome, stroke-related disability, cancer-treatment–related neuropathy or lymphedema, meningitis-induced hearing loss, and long-term symptoms that follow severe infections such as COVID-19. The specific sequelae depend on the original illness or injury and the systems affected.

Sequelae are distinct from complications, which are adverse events occurring during the acute illness and may be preventable with proper care. Sequelae can also be confused with recurrence, where the original disease returns. In practice, sequelae are identified and managed during follow-up and rehabilitation, using functional assessments, imaging when indicated, and patient-reported outcomes.

Management aims to reduce disability and improve quality of life through rehabilitation, symptom control, adaptive devices, and preventive strategies in acute care to lessen the risk of lasting effects. The term originates from the Latin sequela, meaning “a following” or “consequence.”