Brain's Frontal Lobes Electrical Activity Disrupted by COVID-19
Brain Abnormalities in COVID-19 Patients: Unveiling Long-Term Neurological Effects
Discover the intriguing link between COVID-19 and neurological symptoms, as we delve into the role of EEG tests in revealing brain abnormalities and potential long-term impacts.
Putting the Pieces Together
The unfortunate truth is that around 15-25% of severe COVID-19 cases have been known to manifest neurological symptoms, such as headaches and confusion. To better understand this connection, doctors often conduct EEG tests, measuring the electrical activity of the brain. These tests have revealed abnormalities in a significant number of cases, particularly in the frontal lobes, which, interestingly, are located right next to the virus's most likely entry point – the nose [1][2].
The Frontal Lobes: Hotspot of Activity
Dr. Zulfi Haneef, an assistant professor of neurology/neurophysiology at Baylor College of Medicine, sheds some light on this finding – “These findings tell us that we need to try EEG on a wider range of patients, as well as other types of brain imaging, such as MRI or CT scans, that will give us a closer look at the frontal lobe."
But what's causing these abnormalities? It may not just be the virus itself, as systemic effects of the infection, such as inflammation, low oxygen levels, unusually "sticky" blood, and even cardiac arrest, could contribute to these EEG irregularities [3].
Brain Fog and Lasting Effects
Post-recovery, some individuals report lingering health issues, now referred to as "long COVID." Among these is "brain fog." A recent study, yet to be peer-reviewed, showed that individuals who believed they had COVID-19 performed less well on an online cognitive test compared to those who did not think they had contracted the virus [4]. This finding raises concerns about the virus's long-term impact on the brain.
A Closer Look
The authors of the EEG study mention that disparities existed in their analysis, including lack of raw data from individual studies and the possibility of skewed results due to the over-representation of patients with neurological symptoms. Additionally, some patients might have been given anti-seizure medications, potentially obscuring seizure signs in their EEG traces [3]. Still, Dr. Haneef emphasizes that these findings add to the growing concerns about long-term neurological consequences associated with COVID-19.
Looking Ahead
A glimmer of hope comes from the fact that 56.8% of patients who underwent follow-up EEG tests showed improvements [3]. As researchers continue to unravel the mysteries surrounding the virus, it becomes crucial to monitor long-term neurological effects in COVID-19 survivors. Understanding the implications of EEG abnormalities could help clinicians develop effective strategies for managing potential long-term complications associated with COVID-19.
Sources:
- Coronavirus Data
- Seizure: European Journal of Epilepsy
- MedRxiv
- Science Media Centre
- The coronavirus, while primarily known for its respiratory symptoms, has been linked to neurological disorders in about 15-25% of severe cases, as revealed by EEG tests measuring brain activity.
- Interestingly, these tests have shown abnormalities, particularly in the frontal lobes, which are close to the virus's most likely entry point – the nose.
- Long-term health issues, such as "brain fog," are emerging as potential long-term impacts of COVID-19, raising concerns about the virus's impact on health and wellness, including neurological disorders and medical conditions.
