Brain's Frontal Lobes Disrupted by COVID-19: Electrical Activity Affected
Revamped Review: COVID-19's Impact on the Brain Revealed by EEG Tests
Let's dive into the findings of a recent study that dissects the effect of COVID-19 on the brain, using electroencephalography (EEG) tests.
The researchers, hailing from Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Pittsburgh, unraveled data from 617 patients, reported in 84 different studies. The target group? Those with neurological symptoms linked to COVID-19, primarily individuals aged 61.3 years with a two-thirds male predominance.
So, what did the EEG tests show? The researchers pinpointed two key issues:
- A Slow-Down in Brain Waves: The electrical activity of the brain appeared to slow down, a finding that positively correlated with the severity of the disease and the presence of preexisting neurological conditions, such as epilepsy.
- Abnormal Electrical Discharges: In addition to slow-downs, researchers also observed abnormal electrical discharges. Again, these patterns mirrored the progression of the disease and the existence of underlying neurological issues.
Now, you might wonder—what are the potential entry points for this virus? One theory gaining traction suggests the virus primarily attacks the nose, due to the proximity of the frontal lobes to this entry point.
"With the virus most likely entering the body through the nose, there seems to be a link between the frontal lobes and the infection," says Dr. Zulfi Haneef, co-author of the study.
It's important to note, however, that the virus may not be directly responsible for all brain damage. Systemic effects of the infection, like inflammation, low oxygen levels, and cardiac arrest, likely play a role in extending EEG abnormalities beyond the frontal lobes.
The study highlighted another concerning trend: diffuse slowing in the background electrical activity of the brain in nearly 70% of patients. This finding adds fuel to the fire regarding the potential long-term effects of COVID-19 on the brain, a topic that's been making waves in conversations about post-COVID health issues.
Among these long-tail effects is "brain fog," a cognitive impairment observed in some recovered patients. While definitive evidence is still pending, a recent study suggests that individuals claiming to have had COVID-19 perform less well on cognitive tests when compared to those who assert they have not contracted the virus.
The takeaway? EEG abnormalities associated with neurological symptoms during COVID-19 infection enhance concerns about long-term brain impacts, Dr. Haneef points out. However, the study also offers a glimmer of hope—56.8% of patients showed improvements in follow-up EEG tests.
While the study has its limitations, such as lack of access to raw data and the potential for biased reporting, the findings underscore the need for further research into the long-term neurological consequences of COVID-19. Stay tuned for updates!
[1] Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain tissues, often caused by viral infections.
[2] Neuropsychological testing: Tests that evaluate cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
[4] Preexisting neurological conditions: Conditions that already exist before the onset of COVID-19, like epilepsy. The presence of such conditions may increase susceptibility to severe neurological manifestations of COVID-19 or potentially worsen symptoms.
- The study, which used electroencephalography (EEG) tests, found that the electrical activity of the brain in COVID-19 patients with neurological symptoms slowed down, particularly in those with preexisting neurological conditions such as epilepsy.
- The researchers also discovered abnormal electrical discharges in patients' brains, which correlated with the severity of the disease and the presence of underlying neurological issues.
- These findings raise concerns about the potential long-term effects of COVID-19 on the brain, including cognitive impairments like "brain fog."
- However, it's important to remember that while COVID-19 may contribute to certain neurological disorders, preexisting medical conditions like epilepsy could increase susceptibility to severe neurological manifestations or worsen symptoms.
