COVID-19 Infection May Affect Electrical Functions in Brain's Frontal Lobes
A recent review of research suggests that abnormalities in the frontal lobes of the brain, detected by electroencephalography (EEG) tests, could be a common issue among patients with neurological symptoms related to COVID-19.
What's going on in the brain during COVID-19?
Estimates vary, but around 15-25% of patients with severe COVID-19 experience neurological symptoms such as headaches, confusion, seizures, and strokes. When doctors suspect neurological symptoms, they may refer patients for an EEG test, which involves placing electrodes on the scalp to monitor the electrical activity of the brain.
EEG abnormalities and COVID-19
Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX, and the University of Pittsburgh, PA, analyzed EEG results from 617 patients reported in 84 different studies. They found that the most common findings were the slowing of brain waves and abnormal electrical discharges, particularly in the frontal lobes of the brain.
The extent of the EEG abnormalities was correlated with the severity of the disease and whether the patients had pre-existing neurological conditions, such as epilepsy. One of the study's co-authors, Dr. Zulfi Haneef, notes that since the virus entry point is thought to be the nose, there seems to be a connection between the frontal lobes and COVID-19.
Long-term effects and brain fog
Some people who have recovered from COVID-19 report ongoing health problems, now labeled "long COVID." Among these is "brain fog." A recent study found that individuals who claim to have had COVID-19 performed less well on an online cognitive test than those who did not believe they had contracted the virus. The study suggests that the infection may have caused cognitive aging by around a decade.
The findings of EEG abnormalities associated with the neurological symptoms of COVID-19 infection add to concerns about long-term effects on the brain, according to Dr. Haneef. While the study reported that 56.8% of those who had follow-up EEG tests showed improvements, he suggests that there might be long-term issues that need further investigation.
In conclusion, while the direct responsibility of the virus for all the damage may not be clear, EEG abnormalities confirm growing concerns about long-term neurological and cognitive issues post-COVID-19 recovery. Stay tuned for further updates on the impact of COVID-19 on the brain.
- The brain's frontal lobes appear to be commonly affected in COVID-19 patients exhibiting neurological symptoms, as evidenced by EEG test results.
- EEG abnormalities have been found to be more prevalent in COVID-19 patients with severe disease and pre-existing neurological conditions like epilepsy.
- The long-term effects of COVID-19 on the brain are causing concern, with cognitive impairment and "brain fog" reported among recovered patients, and EEG abnormalities suggesting the need for further investigation into potential long-term issues.
