Brain's frontal lobe electrical activity might be impacted due to COVID-19
Fresh Take:
The gist of recent research reveals that abnormalities in the brain's frontal areas, as detected by EEG tests, are common among individuals experiencing neurological symptoms related to COVID-19. These findings suggest a potential link between the virus and brain function, potentially involving the area nearest the nose as an entry point.
According to estimates, around 15-25% of people with severe COVID-19 may struggle with neurological symptoms, including headaches, confusion, seizures, and strokes. To dive deeper into the impact of COVID-19 on the brain, researchers analyzed EEG results from 617 patients in 84 studies.
The most common EEG findings included slowing of brain waves and abnormal electrical discharges, with the extent of these abnormalities correlating with disease severity and the presence of pre-existing neurological conditions. In general, roughly a third of abnormal findings were detected in the frontal lobes of the brain.
However, it's crucial to clarify that it's still unclear whether the virus is directly responsible for all the brain damage observed. Other systemic effects of the infection, such as inflammation, low oxygen levels, coagulation issues, and heart problems, could contribute to EEG abnormalities elsewhere in the brain.
In a developing study, individuals who claim to have had COVID-19 experienced cognitive decline akin to aging by around a decade. While this study has not yet been peer-reviewed, it raises concerns about lasting impacts on brain function. Dr. Zulfi Haneef, one of the study co-authors, suggests that these findings hint at potential long-term issues post-COVID-19 recovery. On a positive note, approximately 56.8% of patients showed improvements in follow-up EEG tests.
As always, it's essential to remain vigilant and well-informed during these challenging times. For up-to-date resources on COVID-19 prevention, treatment, and research, check out our coronavirus hub at your convenience. Stay safe!
- The link between COVID-19 and neurological conditions may extend to epilepsy seizures, as suggested by EEG test findings in individuals with neurological symptoms related to the virus.
- Research in the field of health-and-wellness and medical-conditions has identified that COVID-19 patients, particularly those with severe cases, may experience a range of neurological symptoms including seizures.
- Mental health and neurological disorders, such as epilepsy, may be indirectly impacted by COVID-19, as some studies suggest the virus may cause cognitive decline akin to aging.
- As our understanding of COVID-19 and its effects on the brain continue to evolve, it's important to recognize that neurological disorders like epilepsy and seizures may be potential long-term issues post-recovery for some patients.
