Brain's Frontal Lobes Disrupted by COVID-19: Electrical Activity Affected
Fresh Take on COVID-19's Impact on the Brain through EEG Tests
Step into the intriguing world of neurology and COVID-19 as we delve into a new investigation led by researchers from Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Pittsburgh. Their study, published in the 'Seizure: European Journal of Epilepsy', focuses on the effect of COVID-19 on the brain, as explored through electroencephalography (EEG) tests.
First things first, around 15-25% of patients with severe COVID-19 may experience neurological symptoms. These can include headaches, confusion, seizures, strokes, and other disturbances. The obvious question - How do doctors diagnose these brain-related issues? The answer - EEG tests. This non-invasive procedure involves placing electrodes on the scalp to monitor the electrical activity of the brain.
Dr. Zulfi Haneef, an assistant professor of neurology/neurophysiology at Baylor, was one of the co-authors of this study. According to him, a third of the abnormal findings in EEG tests were found in the frontal lobes of the brain - a crucial area next to the entry point of the virus via the nose. But it's essential to note that the virus might not be solely responsible for all the damage. Systemic effects of the infection like inflammation, low oxygen levels, and cardiac arrest may also play a role in EEG abnormalities.
The authors found "diffuse slowing" in the background electrical activity of the whole brain in almost 70% of patients. While this finding raises concerns about long-term effects on the brain, it's crucial to remember that this study doesn't prove long-term cognitive decline. However, it does highlight the need for further investigation into lasting impacts on the brain.
On a brighter note, 56.8% of those who had follow-up EEG tests showed improvements. However, this research had its limitations, including lack of access to raw data, potential skewing of results due to more EEGs performed on patients with neurological symptoms, and the use of anti-seizure medications that might have obscured signs of seizures in EEG traces.
As we continue to unravel the mysteries of COVID-19, evidence like this reminds us that the battle isn't just about recovering from the disease, but also about addressing potential long-term issues. Stay informed and stay safe! For more advice on COVID-19 prevention and treatment, visit our coronavirus hub.
- In the study investigating COVID-19's impact on the brain, around 15-25% of patients with severe cases experienced neurological symptoms such as seizures, which doctors could diagnose with EEG tests.
- EEG tests, a non-invasive procedure using electrodes on the scalp to monitor brain activity, were instrumental in discovering abnormal findings in the frontal lobes of COVID-19 patients.
- The study found "diffuse slowing" in almost 70% of patients' background electrical brain activity, which could be a concern for long-term effects, although it doesn't prove cognitive decline.
- While the research had limitations, it's important to acknowledge the need for continued investigation into potential long-term impacts of COVID-19 on the brain and other medical-conditions like epilepsy seizures and neurological disorders, in addition to mental health during health-and-wellness discussions.
