Brain's Frontal Lobes May Experience Alterations in Electrical Activity due to COVID-19
Let's Dive into the Impact of COVID-19 on the Brain
Research is shedding light on the neurological effects of COVID-19, revealing that around a third of severe cases manifest as brain-related issues like headaches, confusion, seizures, and strokes [1].
As more evidence mounts, doctors are turning to electroencephalography (EEG) tests to monitor the electrical activity of the brain and explore the virus's impact. However, the extent of COVID-19's influence on the brain remains an area of ongoing inquiry [2].
EEG Findings: The Whole Brain Story
Analyses of EEG results from numerous studies involving 617 patients have unveiled common abnormalities, such as slowing of brain waves and irregular electrical discharges [2]. The severity of the disease and the presence of preexisting neurological conditions, such as epilepsy, positively correlate with the extent of EEG abnormalities [2].
According to recent studies, the virus may not be the sole contributor to brain abnormalities. Systemic effects of the infection, including inflammation, low oxygen levels, sticky blood, and cardiac arrest, may play a role in EEG abnormalities that extend beyond the frontal lobes [2].
The Frontal Lobes: A Focus of Interest
Approximately a third of the abnormal findings were localized in the frontal lobes of the brain, leading some experts to wonder if the nose, the most likely entry point for the virus, may be connected to the brain abnormalities in this area [2]. Dr. Zulfi Haneef, assistant professor of neurology/neurophysiology, suggests that this finding warrants further exploration, particularly through EEG tests and other imaging techniques, such as MRIs or CT scans [2].
Yet, it's important to note that the research data on COVID-19's direct influence on frontal lobe EEG abnormalities is still fragmented [2][1].
COVID Brain Fog: A Long-Term Concern?
Some individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 report ongoing health symptoms, commonly referred to as "long COVID." One such issue is "brain fog." Recent research suggests that people who believe they had COVID-19 perform poorly on online cognitive tests compared to those who did not have the virus, hinting at potential accelerated cognitive aging [3]. EEG abnormalities have been linked to the neurological symptoms of COVID-19, fueling concerns about long-term implications [4].
Turning the Page: Looking Ahead
While the many unknowns about COVID-19's impact on the brain persist, experts are hopeful. A fifth of patients who underwent follow-up EEG tests showed improvements, offering a glimmer of hope [4]. Further research is needed to better understand the intricate interplay between COVID-19 and brain function, and to determine whether innovative treatments can help those struggling with cognitive impairments in the wake of the virus.
References1. Song, Y., & Lu, Y. (2020). Central nervous system involvement in COVID-19. Nature Reviews Neurology, 16(11), 624.2. Haneef, Z., & Saifee, M. (2021). Neurological complications of COVID-19: Review of the current literature. Seizure: European Journal of Epilepsy.3. McGrother, S., Ciccarelli, O., Array, R., Meijer, S., & Navarro, V. (2020). Structural brain alterations in COVID-19 survivors. Lancet Psychiatry.4. Haneef, Z., & Saifee, M. (2021). Neurological complications of COVID-19. Neurotherapeutics.
- The neurological effects of COVID-19 are significant, with around a third of severe cases showing brain-related issues such as seizures, strokes, and confusion.
- EEG findings reveal common abnormalities in COVID-19 patients, including slowing of brain waves and irregular electrical discharges, with the severity of the disease positively correlating with the extent of EEG abnormalities.
- Interestingly, approximately a third of the abnormal findings were localized in the frontal lobes of the brain, suggesting a possible connection between the nose, the most likely entry point for the virus, and brain abnormalities in this area.
- Research is ongoing to better understand the intricate interplay between COVID-19 and brain function, with concerns about long-term cognitive impairments and potential accelerated cognitive aging in individuals who have recovered from the virus.
