COVID-19 and Abnormal Brain Activity: A Look at EEG Findings
Brain's Frontal Lobes Electric Activity Disrupted by COVID-19
Unfortunately, Covid-19 doesn't just wreak havoc on your lungs; it can also do a number on your noggin. Research has uncovered a connection between the virus, neurological symptoms, and unusual brain activity, as revealed by Electroencephalography (EEG) tests. Let's dive into the grisly details!
COVID-19 and the Brain: An Unwanted Encounter
Approximately 15-25% of patients with severe Covid-19 might experience neurological symptoms, a motley assortment that includes headaches, confusion, and even strokes. When patients start showing these symptoms, doctors could refer them for an EEG test, which involves sticking electrodes onto the scalp to monitor the brain's electrical activity.
Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX, and the University of Pittsburgh, PA, took a closer look at EEG results from 617 patients, derived from 84 different studies. The team discovered that abnormalities in the EEG were common, with the most frequent findings being slowing brain waves and abnormal electrical discharges.
Interestingly, around a third of these abnormalities occurred in the frontal lobes, a brain region sitting snugly next to the nose, which is the most likely entry point for the virus.
A Closer Look at the Frontal Lobes
According to Dr. Zulfi Haneef, an assistant professor of neurology and neurophysiology at Baylor, this observation indicates that EEG tests should be administered more broadly to patients, as well as other brain imaging methods like MRI or CT scans. However, it's worth noting that the virus might not be solely responsible for every bit of damage observed. Systemic effects of the infection, such as inflammation, low oxygen levels, "sticky" blood, and cardiac arrest, could potentially contribute to the EEG abnormalities found in other areas beyond the frontal lobes.
The Cognitive Aftermath: Brain Fog and Long COVID
Recovered Covid-19 patients have reported ongoing health issues, now collectively known as "long Covid." Among these lingering problems is "brain fog," described as a haze in one's thinking ability.
A recent, as-yet-unpublished study found that individuals claiming to have had Covid-19 performed worse on an online cognitive test compared to those who didn't believe they contracted the virus. Experts suspect that the virus might have given a mental age boost to these individuals.
While this study doesn't conclusively prove that the infection causes long-term cognitive decline, it does fuel concerns over the lasting impact on the brain. The finding that there are EEG abnormalities linked to the neurological symptoms of Covid-19 adds fuel to these flames.
According to Dr. Haneef, "Many people think they'll get better and carry on as usual, but these findings suggest there might be long-term issues. We need to pay heed to these insights and continue our research." On a more hopeful note, the analysis shows that nearly 57% of patients with follow-up EEG tests showed improvement.
So, while we may have reason to worry, don't be too gloomy! If you're interested in keeping up with the latest Covid-19 news, check out our dedicated coronavirus hub for the latest information and updates. Cheers to staying informed! 🍻
Sources: Baylor College of Medicine, Seizure: European Journal of Epilepsy, MedRxiv
- COVID-19 not only affects the lungs, but it can also cause neurological symptoms such as headaches and confusion, and these symptoms might be associated with unusual brain activity, as revealed by Electroencephalography (EEG) tests.
- EEG abnormalities, including slowing brain waves and abnormal electrical discharges, are common in patients with severe COVID-19, and around a third of these abnormalities occur in the frontal lobes, which is the most likely entry point for the virus.
- Experts are concerned about the long-term impact of COVID-19 on the brain, as recovered patients have reported ongoing health issues such as "brain fog" and "long COVID," and researchers have found EEG abnormalities linked to the neurological symptoms of COVID-19.
- CBD, a compound found in cannabis, is being investigated as a potential treatment for neurological disorders and epilepsy seizures, and it has shown promise in reducing inflammation and facilitating neuroprotection, which could provide relief for those suffering from long-term cognitive decline associated with COVID-19.
