Brain's Frontal Lobes Electrical Activity May Be Impacted by COVID-19
Unveiling the Impact of COVID-19 on the Brain: An EEG Perspective
An analysis of EEG results from over 600 patients, reported in 84 different studies, has uncovered some intriguing insights into how COVID-19 affects the brain. Here's a lowdown on what we've discovered.
Coronavirus Statistics and Impact on the Brain
It's estimated that around 15-25% of patients with severe COVID-19 may experience neurological symptoms, such as headaches, confusion, impaired consciousness, seizures, and strokes. To better understand the brain's response to the virus, doctors may refer patients for an EEG test.
Common EEG Findings in COVID-19 Patients
The researchers found that two-thirds of the patients had slowing of brain waves and abnormal electrical discharges, with nearly one-third of the abnormalities occurring in the frontal lobes of the brain. When looking at the severity of the disease and preexisting neurological conditions—like epilepsy—the extent of EEG abnormalities was correlated with the extent of disease.
Potential Entry Point for COVID-19 in the Brain
Given that the most likely entry point for the virus is the nose, Dr. Zulfi Haneef suggests there might be a link between the frontal lobes, which are located directly next to the entry point, and the virus. He advises that more research is needed to investigate the impact of EEG and other types of brain imaging on COVID-19 patients, particularly focusing on the frontal lobe.
Additional Factors and Lingering Effects
It seems that the virus may not be solely responsible for all damage to the brain. A range of systemic effects, such as inflammation, low oxygen levels, and unusual blood thickening, may contribute to EEG abnormalities that extend beyond the frontal lobes.
The study identified "diffuse slowing" in the background electrical activity of the whole brain in almost 70% of patients, which adds to concerns about potential long-term effects on the brain, especially in those with preexisting conditions. However, it's essential to highlight that 56.8% of patients showed improvements on follow-up EEG tests.
Long COVID and Cognitive Decline
Some people who have recovered from COVID-19 have reported ongoing health problems, now labeled as long COVID. Cases of brain fog have been cited in particular. A recent, not-yet-peer-reviewed study found that individuals who claimed to have had COVID-19 performed less well on an online cognitive test compared to those who had not contracted the virus. Such studies, while not conclusive, do raise concerns about lasting effects on the brain brought on by COVID-19.
In Dr. Haneef's opinion, the presence of EEG abnormalities associated with the neurological symptoms of COVID-19 only serves to reinforce these concerns. "Many people assume that they'll recover from the illness and return to normal, but these findings suggest that long-term issues may be a reality," he said.
The most crucial takeaway here is that COVID-19 can have a noticeable impact on the brain—one that cannot be ignored. So, as we grapple with the virus's devastating effects, let's also strive to understand and address the underlying mechanisms at play in the brain. For the latest updates on COVID-19 and its impacts, you can check out our coronavirus hub. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and most importantly, stay safe.
- Approximately 15-25% of severe COVID-19 patients may experience neurological symptoms, including seizures and strokes, leading doctors to refer patients for EEG tests.
- An analysis of EEG results from over 600 patients revealed two-thirds had slowing of brain waves and abnormal electrical discharges, with nearly one-third occurring in the frontal lobes.
- The potential entry point for the virus is thought to be the nose, leading some researchers to suggest a link between frontal lobe abnormalities and COVID-19.
- Besides the virus, other factors like inflammation, low oxygen levels, and unusual blood thickening may contribute to EEG abnormalities in COVID-19 patients.
- The study found "diffuse slowing" in almost 70% of COVID-19 patients' brain activity, which raises concerns about potential long-term brain damage, particularly in those with pre-existing conditions.
- Some recovering COVID-19 patients have reported ongoing health issues, such as brain fog, leading to concerns about long-term effects on the brain.
