Brain's Frontal Lobes May Experience Electrical Disruptions Due to COVID-19
Figuring out how the coronavirus affects our brains has become a major focus for researchers. Here's a breakdown of what we've learned so far about neurological symptoms, EEG tests, and the frontal lobes.
COVID-19 and Neurological Symptoms
About 15-25% of people with severe COVID-19 experience neurological symptoms, such as headaches, confusion, or seizures. If you're grappling with such symptoms, your doctor might refer you for an EEG test.
EEG Tests and COVID-19
An EEG test involves placing electrodes on the scalp to monitor the electrical activity of the brain. Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Pittsburgh analyzed EEG results from over 600 patients, detailed in 84 different studies.
Among their findings, they discovered abnormal electrical discharges and slowed brain waves, particularly in the frontal lobes. The extent of these EEG abnormalities seemed to correlate with the severity of the disease and existing neurological conditions.
Brain Fog and Long COVID
Some people who've recovered from COVID-19 are experiencing ongoing health issues, collectively known as "long COVID." Brain fog is one of these lingering effects. A recent study suggests that the virus might age individuals cognitively by around a decade.
While this study hasn't been peer-reviewed yet, it highlights concerns about long-term effects on the brain. EEG abnormalities associated with COVID-19's neurological symptoms add to these concerns.
Possible Limitations
It's essential to note that the virus might not be directly responsible for all the damage. Systemic effects of the infection, like inflammation or low oxygen levels, may also play a role in EEG abnormalities beyond the frontal lobes.
The study found "diffuse slowing" in the background electrical activity of almost 70% of patients. Some limitations of the study include the lack of access to raw data, potential skewing of results due to doctors giving anti-seizure medication, and maybe omitting to report many normal EEGs.
Overall, while more targeted research is needed, the connection between COVID-19, neurological symptoms, and EEG abnormalities, particularly in the frontal lobes, is becoming clearer. Stay informed with our latest updates on the novel coronavirus and COVID-19.
Source: MedRxiv, Science Media Centre, Seizure: European Journal of Epilepsy
[1] Evidence of Cognitive Deficits in COVID-19 Patients
[2] COVID-19's Impact on Brain Function
[3] The Role of the Frontal Lobe in Neurological and Psychiatric Conditions
- Severe COVID-19 cases have been observed to cause neurological symptoms such as headaches, confusion, and seizures in 15-25% of patients, leading doctors to refer some individuals for Electroencephalography (EEG) tests.
- The Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Pittsburgh analyzed EEG results from over 600 patients detailed in 84 different studies, revealing abnormal electrical discharges and slowed brain waves, particularly in the frontal lobes.
- Neurological conditions seem to influence the extent of EEG abnormalities in COVID-19 patients, and these abnormalities may be correlated with the disease's severity.
- Long COVID symptoms include brain fog, which some research suggests the virus may cause cognitively aging individuals by around a decade.
- While more studies are needed to understand the direct impact of COVID-19 on the brain, EEG abnormalities associated with its neurological symptoms, especially in the frontal lobes, are becoming increasingly clear.
- The study on EEG abnormalities in COVID-19 patients also noted potential limitations, such as the lack of raw data, potential skewing of results due to doctors administering anti-seizure medication, and the possible omission of many normal EEG reports.
