Brain Fog Related to COVID-19: Symptoms, Underlying Causes, Potential Treatments
The new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has been linked to a range of neurological symptoms in both critically ill patients and those who have recovered from the disease. One of the most common neurological symptoms is brain fog, a general term for feelings of mental sluggishness, confusion, memory problems, poor concentration, and headaches.
In critically ill patients, neurological symptoms such as delirium, seizure, and inflammation of the brain and surrounding tissues are most common. However, even after recovery, some individuals continue to experience brain fog that lasts for weeks or even months.
Research has shown that between 7.5 to 31% and up to 69% of people who have had COVID-19 may experience neurological symptoms. Some studies report that up to 75% of COVID-19 patients experience long-term effects such as brain fog after mild to moderate infection.
One study published in December 2020 found that about 28% of people had lingering concentration problems more than 100 days after hospital admission for COVID-19. Another study found that 55% of patients who had recovered from COVID-19 still had neurological symptoms 3 months after their illness.
The exact cause of brain fog in COVID-19 patients is not yet clear, but inflammation in the brain, caused by increased levels of inflammatory cytokines, may play a role. Other factors that may contribute include poor sleep quality, feelings of loneliness, depression, increased stress or anxiety, dietary changes, decreased physical activity, and side effects of certain medications.
If you have COVID-19, seek immediate medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing, ongoing pain or pressure in your chest, rapid heart rate, new mental confusion, trouble staying awake or difficulty waking, bluish fingernails or lips. If mental symptoms are severe enough to interfere with daily life or don't improve after a couple of weeks, it's recommended to see a doctor.
To help boost mental function in those dealing with COVID-19 related brain fog, it's important to get plenty of sleep, engage in regular exercise, eat a well-balanced diet, avoid tobacco and alcohol, and possibly the use of steroids for reducing inflammation of the brain.
Research has found microstructural changes in the brain, particularly in the hippocampus, after COVID-19. The SARS-CoV-2 virus can enter brain tissue through an enzyme called angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor.
In conclusion, brain fog is a common and long-lasting neurological symptom in COVID-19 survivors. While the exact cause is still unknown, it's important for individuals who have had COVID-19 and are experiencing cognitive issues to follow up with their doctor and take steps to improve their overall health and well-being.
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