Brain's Frontal Lobes Electrical Activity Potentially Affected by COVID-19
Neurological Symptoms in COVID-19 Patients: A Review of EEG Test Findings
Approximately 15-25% of patients with severe COVID-19 may develop neurological symptoms, such as headaches, confusion, and seizures, according to recent data. To understand the impact of the virus on the brain, researchers analyzed EEG results from 617 patients across 84 studies.
The majority of the patients undergoing EEG tests were males aged 61.3 years on average. The study found that the slowing of brain waves and abnormal electrical discharges were common findings. Moreover, the extent of EEG abnormalities was positively correlated with the severity of the disease and the presence of preexisting neurological conditions, such as epilepsy.
One-third of the abnormalities were located in the frontal lobes of the brain, leading researchers to suggest that EEG tests should be administered more widely to patients with COVID-19, as well as other brain imaging tests like MRI or CT scans. The researchers, however, acknowledged that systemic effects of the infection, such as inflammation, low oxygen levels, and unusual blood clotting, could also contribute to EEG abnormalities beyond the frontal lobes.
The study identified "diffuse slowing" in the background electrical activity of the whole brain in almost 70% of patients. These findings raise concerns about the potential long-term effects of COVID-19 on the brain, as some individuals who have recovered from the virus report ongoing health problems, including cognitive decline.
In a related study, researchers found that individuals who claimed to have had COVID-19 performed less well on an online cognitive test than those who did not believe they had contracted the virus. While this study has not been peer-reviewed or published, it does highlight the need for further research into the long-term neurological effects of COVID-19.
According to Dr. Zulfi Haneef, a co-author of the EEG study, the findings add to these concerns, as they provide evidence of EEG abnormalities associated with the neurological symptoms of COVID-19. He also noted that 56.8% of patients with follow-up EEG tests showed improvements.
While direct evidence on COVID-19's impact specifically on the frontal lobes is limited, the broader neurological effects and changes in brain activity observed through EEG suggest potential impacts on cognitive functions associated with these regions. Further research is needed to fully understand the correlations and effects.
In conclusion, the link between COVID-19 and brain abnormalities, as identified by EEG tests, raises concerns about the potential long-term effects of the virus on cognitive functions. Further investigation is required to confirm these findings and explore potential interventions for long-term neurological symptoms.
- Approximately one-third of the EEG abnormalities were found in the frontal lobes of COVID-19 patients, suggesting a potential impact on cognitive functions associated with these regions.
- The study found that individuals with preexisting neurological conditions, such as epilepsy, present more severe EEG abnormalities, raising concerns about the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the brain.
- Additionally, CBD, a compound known for its potential therapeutic effects on neurological disorders, has shown promising results in preclinical studies for treating seizures, a common neurological symptom of COVID-19.
- Encouraging further research into the long-term neurological effects of COVID-19 on cognitive functions, mental health, and other health-and-wellness aspects, such as the relationship between COVID-19 and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, is crucial to fully understand the disease's impact on the brain.
