Brain's Frontal Lobes Electrical Activity Disrupted by COVID-19
Research suggests that patients with neurological symptoms related to COVID-19 often display abnormalities in their brains, as detected by EEG tests. This intriguing finding has set scientists on a trail to understanding the relationship between coronavirus and brain function.
The lowdown on COVID-19 neurological symptoms
It's thought that around 15-25% of patients with severe COVID-19 may experience neurological symptoms, such as headaches, confusion, seizures, and strokes. If you're experiencing these symptoms, doctors might recommend an EEG test, where electrodes are placed on your scalp to monitor brain activity.
As we delve into the brain's mysteries, scientists from Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Pittsburgh analyzed EEG results from 617 patients across 84 different studies. Interestingly, around a third of the abnormalities were found in the frontal lobes of the brain, leading some to suspect a connection with the virus's entry point, the nose.
Frontal lobe damage and beyond
However, the virus might not be solely responsible for the damage observed in the EEG tests. Systemic effects of the infection, like inflammation, low oxygen levels, and unusually "sticky" blood, could also play a role in abnormalities that extend beyond the frontal lobes.
Another interesting finding was the occurrence of "diffuse slowing" in almost 70% of patients, which indicates a general slowing of brain activity.
Long COVID and brain fog
Some individuals who've recovered from COVID-19 report ongoing health issues, commonly labeled long COVID. Among these is the puzzling phenomenon of "brain fog." A recent study found that those who've had COVID performed less well on an online cognitive test, raising concerns about potential lasting effects on the brain.
EEG abnormalities support these concerns, adding another piece to the puzzle of COVID-19's long-term impacts on the brain. Despite this, it's important to note that the relationship between the infection and specific EEG changes in the frontal lobes would require targeted studies to establish a clear connection.
On a positive note, 56.8% of individuals who had follow-up EEG tests showed improvements.
Final thoughts
The relationship between COVID-19 and EEG abnormalities in the frontal lobes has yet to be clearly established. However, as the world grapples with the ongoing pandemic, it's essential to continue asking questions and seeking answers to ensure the best understanding of the virus's impact on the brain. Stay informed by visiting our coronavirus hub for the most recent information on COVID-19.
- Research indicates that approximately 15-25% of patients with severe COVID-19 may experience neurological symptoms such as epileptic seizures, headaches, confusion, and strokes, leading doctors to recommend EEG tests for diagnosis.
- In a study analyzing EEG results from 617 patients across 84 different studies, around a third of the abnormalities were found in the frontal lobes, hinting at a potential connection between the virus's entry point (the nose) and resulting neurological disorders.
- The study also found that almost 70% of patients displayed a condition known as "diffuse slowing," which represents a general slowing of brain activity, and may not be solely attributable to the virus itself.
- Ongoing health issues in recovered COVID-19 patients, such as mental health concerns and "brain fog," have raised concerns about long-term effects on the brain. EEG abnormalities support these concerns, suggesting that there may be lasting impacts on the brain that require further investigation.
