Brain's Frontal Lobes' Electrical Activity May be Affected by COVID-19
COVID-19 and its impact on the brain have sparked intense research and debate. According to some studies, around one-fourth of severe COVID-19 patients experience neurological symptoms, ranging from headaches, confusion, and seizures, to strokes. These patients might be referred for an Electroencephalography (EEG) test, a non-invasive procedure that monitors the electrical activity of the brain.
Among the patients who undergo EEG tests, around a third show abnormalities, particularly in the frontal lobes of the brain. This raises questions about the possible connections between the virus and these brain abnormalities, as the most likely entry point for the virus is the nose, situated close to the frontal lobes.
Dr. Zulfi Haneef, assistant professor of neurology/neurophysiology at Baylor College of Medicine, explains, "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, that will give us a closer look at the frontal lobe."
However, it's essential to note that the virus may not be directly responsible for all damage. Systemic effects of the infection, such as inflammation, low oxygen levels, unusually "sticky" blood, and cardiac arrest, may play a role in EEG abnormalities that extend beyond the frontal lobes.
In nearly 70% of the patients studied, researchers found "diffuse slowing" in the background electrical activity of the whole brain. This phenomenon, known as brain fog, is also a concern for long-haul COVID-19 patients who report ongoing health problems, including cognitive decline.
Recent research suggests that individuals who've recovered from COVID-19 might perform less well on cognitive tests than those without a history of the virus. Although this cross-sectional study doesn't prove that the infection causes long-term cognitive decline, it highlights concerns about lasting effects on the brain.
Brain imaging studies like EEG can provide valuable insights into these longer-term impacts. As Dr. Haneef notes, understanding the potential long-term issues associated with COVID-19 is crucial for addressing patient concerns and providing appropriate care and support. On a positive note, 56.8% of those who had follow-up EEG tests showed improvements. However, the study has limitations, including lack of access to raw data and potential skewing of results due to doctors performing more EEGs on patients with neurological symptoms.
As we continue to learn more about COVID-19 and its neurological consequences, it's important to remain vigilant and informed. Consult credible sources for the most recent information on COVID-19 and its potential long-term effects on the brain.
- Despite the virus possibly not being directly responsible for all the brain damage, one-third of COVID patients who undergo Electroencephalography (EEG) tests show abnormalities, particularly in the frontal lobes.
- Researchers have found "diffuse slowing" in the background electrical activity of the whole brain in nearly 70% of the patients studied, a condition known as brain fog, which is also a concern for long-haul COVID-19 patients.
- A recent study suggests that individuals who've recovered from COVID-19 might perform less well on cognitive tests than those without a history of the virus, raising concerns about potential long-term cognitive decline.
- CBD, a promising compound for managing medical conditions like epilepsy seizures and mental health issues, may have a role in mitigating some of the neurological disorders associated with COVID-19, though more research is needed in this area.
