COVID-19 Impacts Frontal Lobes' Electrical Functions in Brain
It's no secret that COVID-19 can wreak havoc on a person's lungs and heart, but what about its impact on the brain? A comprehensive review of research suggests that there's more to this virus than meets the eye.
Let's dive into the world of electroencephalography (EEG) and uncover how COVID-19 affects the brain.
The Link Between COVID-19 and the Brain
According to a study led by researchers from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, and the University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, patients with severe COVID-19 may experience neurological symptoms such as headaches, confusion, seizures, and strokes.
To investigate the virus's impact on the brain, the researchers analyzed EEG results from 617 patients reported in 84 different studies. The most common findings were slowing of brain waves and abnormal electrical discharges, especially in the frontal lobes.
"We know that the most likely entry point for the virus is the nose, so there seems to be a connection between the part of the brain that is located directly next to that entry point," says Dr. Zulfi Haneef, assistant professor of neurology/neurophysiology at Baylor and one of the study's co-authors.
However, it's important to note that the virus may not be directly responsible for all the damage. Systemic effects of the infection, such as inflammation, low oxygen levels, and cardiac arrest, may play a role in EEG abnormalities that extend beyond the frontal lobes.
The Extent of EEG Abnormalities
The researchers found that around a third of the abnormalities were in the frontal lobes of the brain, and they positively correlated with the severity of the disease and whether the patients had preexisting neurological conditions.
More than half (56.8%) of the patients showed improvements in their EEG results when follow-up tests were performed. However, there are several limitations to the study, such as lack of access to raw data from individual studies and the potential skewing of results due to performing more EEGs on patients with neurological symptoms.
Brain Fog and Long COVID
Some people who have recovered from COVID-19 report ongoing health problems, now labeled "long COVID." Among these is "brain fog," which affects cognitive function and memory.
A recent study, which has not been peer-reviewed or published, found that individuals who claim to have had COVID performed less well on an online cognitive test than those who did not believe they had contracted the virus. While this study does not definitively prove that the infection caused long-term cognitive decline, it does highlight concerns about lasting effects on the brain.
"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," says Dr. Haneef.
Looking Ahead
As the world grapples with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it's crucial to investigate its impact on various aspects of health, including the brain. By understanding how COVID-19 affects the brain, researchers can develop targeted treatments and interventions to help patients recover and reduce the long-term impact of the virus.
Stay informed about the latest developments in the world of COVID-19 by visiting our coronavirus hub.
- According to research led by scientists from Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Pittsburgh, patients with severe COVID-19 may experience neurological symptoms such as epilepsy seizures, headaches, confusion, and strokes.
- In an analysis of Electroencephalography (EEG) results from 617 patients, the study found that around a third of the abnormalities were in the frontal lobes of the brain, which positively correlated with the severity of the disease and preexisting neurological conditions.
- Some people who have recovered from COVID-19 report ongoing health problems, including cognitive function issues and memory problems known as "brain fog." A recent, unpublished study found that individuals who claim to have had COVID performed less well on an online cognitive test than those who did not believe they had contracted the virus, raising concerns about long-term impacts on the brain.
