COVID-19 and the Brain: a Closer Look
Brain's Frontal Lobes Electrical Activity Affected by COVID-19
If you've experienced COVID-19, you might have been left wondering about the long-term effects on your health. One intriguing aspect comes in the form of brain function – from "brain fog" to more serious neurological symptoms. Let's dive into what researchers have discovered so far.
Affecting the Front Lines
COVID-19 isn't a stranger to the brain, with a third of abnormalities detected by EEG tests occurring in the frontal lobes – a region right next to the nose, considered the most likely entry point for the virus.
Dr. Zulfi Haneef, assistant professor of neurology at Baylor College of Medicine, suggests, "These findings tell us that we need to try EEG on a wider range of patients... and other types of brain imaging, such as MRI or CT scans, that will give us a closer look at the frontal lobe."
But it's essential to note that the virus isn't always the direct culprit for the damage. Systemic effects like inflammation, low oxygen levels, sticky blood, and cardiac issues may also play a role in abnormalities extending beyond the frontal lobes.
Slowing Down the Brain
Frequent EEG findings include slowing of brain waves and abnormal electrical discharges. These abnormalities tend to correlate with the severity of the disease and the presence of preexisting neurological conditions, such as epilepsy.
Interestingly, the journal of Seizure: European Journal of Epilepsy published a review analyzing EEG results from 617 patients, which revealed slowing in the background electrical activity of the whole brain in nearly 70% of patients.
Long COVID and the Brain
Some individuals recovering from COVID-19 report lingering health issues now referred to as "long COVID." One of these issues – brain fog – raises questions about the potential long-term effects on the brain.
A study, though not yet peer-reviewed, found that people claiming to have had COVID performed less well on an online cognitive test than those who did not believe they had contracted the virus. The authors suggested that the infection might cause cognitive decline by a decade.
While this study doesn't confirm a causal relationship, it does stress concerns about the brain's long-term health in COVID-19 survivors.
Additionally, EEG abnormalities associated with COVID-19 neurological symptoms add to these concerns.
As Dr. Haneef points out, "These findings tell us that there might be long-term issues, which is something we have suspected, and now we are finding more evidence to back that up."
There's a silver lining, however: 56.8% of those who had follow-up EEG tests showed improvements.
For those seeking more advice on COVID-19 prevention, treatment, and its potential neurological effects, visit our coronavirus hub for the most recent information on the topic. Stay informed, stay healthy!
- COVID-19 has been detected to affect the brain, with a third of abnormalities occurring in the frontal lobes, which is the region next to the nose and considered the most likely entry point for the virus.
- A study found that people who reported having COVID-19 performed less well on a cognitive test than those who did not believe they had contracted the virus, raising concerns about potential long-term effects on the brain.
- Additionally, EEG abnormalities associated with COVID-19 neurological symptoms contribute to these concerns, and Dr. Haneef notes that these findings suggest there might be long-term issues, particularly with regard to medical-conditions like epilepsy, as well as other neurological disorders.
