Brain Abnormalities Linked to COVID-19: A Deep Dive
Brain's Frontal Lobes Electrical Activity May Be Affected by COVID-19
In an intriguing study, researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Pittsburgh sought to understand the impact of COVID-19 on the brain. By analyzing Electroencephalography (EEG) test results from 617 patients, they uncovered some alarming trends.
The Scope of the Study
The researchers zeroed in on 84 different studies, with a median patient age of 61.3 years, two-thirds of whom were males. The most common findings? Well, it turns out the slowing of brain waves and abnormal electrical discharges were all too common.
Interestingly, a significant number of these abnormalities, about a third, were found in the frontal lobes – the brain region located directly adjacent to the nose, our covid-19 entry point. Dr. Zulfi Haneef, assistant professor of neurology/neurophysiology at Baylor and one of the co-authors of the study, highlighted this connection.
"These findings tell us that we need to try EEG on a wider range of patients, as well as other types of brain imaging, such as MRI or CT scans, to give us a closer look at the frontal lobe," he explained.
Beyond Direct Viral Impact
However, it's crucial to note that the virus isn't necessarily responsible for all the damage. Systemic effects of the infection, like inflammation, low oxygen levels, sticky blood, and cardiac arrest, may also play a role in EEG abnormalities that extend beyond the frontal lobes.
The study found "diffuse slowing" in the background electrical activity of the whole brain in almost 70% of patients. This implies that the infection might be causing more widespread neurological damage than initially thought.
Brain Fog: A Long COVID Concern
Cognitive decline, often referred to as "brain fog," has been reported by some COVID-19 survivors. A recent study suggests that the virus might age people cognitively by around a decade. The link between these long-term effects and EEG abnormalities only adds to the concerns.
On a hopeful note, the study's authors reported that 56.8% of patients with follow-up EEG tests showed improvements. But with ongoing research proving the need for more investigation, the long-term impact of COVID-19 on the brain remains uncertain.
Remember, this article highlights key findings related to brain abnormalities and COVID-19. However, for the most recent information, visit our coronavirus hub. Stay informed, stay safe.
[1] Scientific detail: The study found that COVID-19 can cause systemic inflammation and microglial dysfunction in the brain, leading to neuronal pathologies. This inflammation can affect various brain regions, including areas potentially involved in EEG abnormalities.
[2] Scientific detail: More research is needed to definitively establish the connection between EEG abnormalities, especially in the frontal lobes, and the severity of COVID-19. However, evidence suggests that COVID-19 can lead to long-term neurological sequelae, potentially increasing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. The role of EEG abnormalities in assessing these long-term effects requires further investigation.
- The study on COVID-19 and brain abnormalities found that the virus can cause systemic inflammation and microglial dysfunction in the brain, which may result in neuronal pathologies and potentially contribute to EEG abnormalities.
- A significant number of the brain abnormalities discovered in the study were found in the frontal lobes, which are adjacent to the nose – the covid-19 entry point.
- The researchers found "diffuse slowing" in the background electrical activity of the whole brain in almost 70% of patients, suggesting that COVID-19 might be causing more widespread neurological damage than initially thought.
- Cognitive decline, or "brain fog," has been reported by some COVID-19 survivors, and a recent study suggests that the virus may age people cognitively by around a decade. The link between these long-term effects and EEG abnormalities only adds to the concerns about the potential impact of COVID-19 on mental health, health-and-wellness, and neurological-disorders.
