COVID-19 may impact the electrical functions of the frontal lobes within the brain.
Live updates on COVID-19 research reveal that abnormalities in the frontal lobe of the brain, as identified by electroencephalography (EEG) tests, are prevalent among patients experiencing neurological symptoms related to the virus.
Neurological symptoms: Approximately 15-25% of patients with severe COVID-19 experience symptoms such as headaches, confusion, seizures, and strokes. Upon observing such symptoms, doctors may refer patients for an EEG test, where electrodes are placed on the scalp to monitor brain activity.
Investigation on COVID-19 and EEG: Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX, and the University of Pittsburgh, PA, analyzed EEG results from 617 patients in 84 different studies to understand the impact of COVID-19 on the brain. A third of the abnormal findings were in the frontal lobes—the area of the brain next to the nose, which is the most probable entry point for the virus.
The most common findings included slowing of brain waves and abnormal electrical discharges, with the extent of EEG abnormalities positively correlating with the severity of the disease and preexisting neurological conditions.
Connection between COVID-19 and EEG abnormalities: Dr. Zulfi Haneef, assistant professor of neurology/neurophysiology at Baylor, explains that the research suggests the need for wider use of EEG tests and other brain imaging techniques like MRI or CT scans to better examine the frontal lobe and its potential damage. However, the researchers note that the virus may not be solely responsible for the damage but may be exacerbated by factors like inflammation, low oxygen levels, and cardiac arrest.
The study also discovered "diffuse slowing" in the background electrical activity of the whole brain in almost 70% of patients.
Long-term effects: Some individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 are experiencing ongoing health problems, known as "long COVID." Ongoing concerns involve brain fog, and a recent study suggests that individuals who claim to have had COVID performed less well on a cognitive test than those who didn't believe they had caught the virus. While more research is required, this study--among others--fuels speculation about long-term cognitive decline associated with the virus, which Dr. Haneef echoes.
On a positive note, the study concluded that 56.8% of patients showed improvements after follow-up EEG tests. There are some limitations to the study, including the lack of access to raw data, potential omissions in reported normal EEGs, and the possible obscuring of seizure signs by administered anti-seizure medications.
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- In addition to respiratory symptoms, approximately 15-25% of severe COVID-19 patients experience neurological symptoms such as seizures and strokes.
- Upon detection of neurological symptoms, doctors might conduct tests like electroencephalography (EEG) to monitor brain activity.
- Research into COVID-19 and EEG tests revealed that a third of abnormal findings were in the frontal lobes, the area most likely to be a virus entry point.
- The most common EEG findings in COVID-19 patients are slowing of brain waves and abnormal electrical discharges.
- The severity of the disease and pre-existing neurological conditions positively correlate with the extent of EEG abnormalities.
- Researchers suggest that wider use of EEG tests and other brain imaging techniques like MRI or CT scans could help examine the frontal lobe and potential damage.
- The virus may not solely cause brain damage but may be exacerbated by factors such as inflammation, low oxygen levels, and cardiac arrest.
- The study found "diffuse slowing" in the background electrical activity of the whole brain in almost 70% of patients.
- Some individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 are experiencing ongoing health problems, including cognitive decline and brain fog.
- Ongoing concerns involve cognitive decline associated with the virus, which may require further research for confirmation.
- Interestingly, the study concluded that 56.8% of patients showed improvements after follow-up EEG tests.
- Despite the positive findings, the study has some limitations, such as a lack of access to raw data and potential omissions in reported normal EEGs.
- The administered anti-seizure medications might obscure seizure signs in EEG readings.
- In the realm of health and wellness, it's essential to prioritize workplace wellness, mental health, and fitness and exercise to prevent the exacerbation of medical conditions.
- Beyond COVID-19, it's crucial to consider other health aspects like cancer, digestive health, eye health, hearing, skin care, sexual health, and autoimmune disorders to maintain overall health and well-being, especially as we age and face various skin conditions, weight management, cardiovascular health, and women's and men's health issues.
