Brain's frontal lobe electrical activity may be disrupted by COVID-19
COVID-19's impact on the brain isn't a distant concern, according to recent research. The analysis of EEG results from 617 patients reveals that approximately 15-25% of patients with severe COVID-19 experience neurological symptoms, which can include headaches, confusion, seizures, and strokes.
To examine how COVID-19 affects the brain, medical professionals from Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Pittsburgh evaluated EEG test results from various studies. Despite a few limitations, such as the omission of normal EEG reports and the potential skewing of results due to the focus on patients with neurological symptoms, this study provides valuable insights.
The findings indicate that abnormalities in the frontal lobe of the brain, which seems to be a common entrance point for the virus, are prevalent among these patients. Dr. Zulfi Haneef, one of the study's co-authors, points out that this suggests doctors should consider wider EEG testing and other brain imaging methods, such as MRIs or CT scans, for a closer look at the frontal lobe.
Furthermore, it's important to note that the virus might not be directly responsible for all the damage observed. Systemic effects, such as inflammation, poor oxygen levels, sticky blood, and cardiac arrest, may contribute to EEG abnormalities that extend beyond the frontal lobes.
Another concerning issue is "brain fog" among patients who have recovered from COVID-19. This phenomenon, also known as long COVID, can result in ongoing health problems, including cognitive decline. A recent study suggests that the infection might age people's brains cognitively by around a decade. While this study hasn't been peer-reviewed or published, it does raise concerns about long-lasting effects on the brain.
Dr. Haneef acknowledges that the presence of EEG abnormalities associated with COVID-19's neurological symptoms adds to these concerns. He emphasizes that while some patients may improve over time, the findings support the hypothesis of long-term issues, a topic that warrants further investigation.
In an interesting study yet to be peer-reviewed, individuals who claimed to have had COVID-19 performed less well on an online cognitive test compared to those who did not believe they had contracted the virus. The researchers speculate that the infection may lead to long-term cognitive decline. However, experts note that additional research is needed to confirm this conclusion.
Despite the challenges and uncertainties, one thing is clear: the brain's role in the COVID-19 experience needs our close attention. As the world grapples with the pandemic, understanding and addressing neurological complications should be a priority to support the overall recovery and well-being of affected individuals.
- COVID-19 patients with severe symptoms may also experience epilepsy and seizures due to neurological issues, according to a recent analysis of EEG results from 617 patients.
- Aside from its impact on the respiratory system, COVID-19 can also cause long-term mental health concerns, such as "brain fog" and cognitive decline, known as long COVID.
- Neurological disorders, including epilepsy and seizures, are among the medical conditions that might be aggravated or caused by COVID-19, as suggested by the study's findings and related research.
- In addition to addressing the physical health aspects of COVID-19, it's crucial to understand the virus's impact on health-and-wellness, including the brain and mental health, to ensure comprehensive care and support for affected individuals.
