Disruption in the electrical activity of frontal lobes in the brain is a potential effect of COVID-19 infection
Title: Deciphering COVID-19's Impact on the Brain: EEG Findings and Beyond
Introduction
A thorough analysis of research suggests that peculiar brain abnormalities, as discovered through EEG tests, are common among patients displaying neurological symptoms related to COVID-19.
Deep Dive into Coronavirus and Neurological Symptoms
It's been estimated that about 15-25% of patients with severe COVID-19 may experience neurological symptoms such as headaches, confusion, and strokes. Upon experiencing such symptoms, doctors might refer patients for an EEG test. To comprehend COVID-19's effect on the brain, a team of researchers fromBaylor College of Medicine and the University of Pittsburgh analyzed EEG results from 617 patients, extracted from 84 different studies.
The Frontal Lobe Connection
The researchers, led by Dr. Zulfi Haneef, discovered that approximately one-third of the abnormal findings were located in the frontal lobes of the brain, which seems to morph into the "most likely entry point" for the virus, as the nose serves as the primary entry point for the virus.
Possible Systemic Effects
The researchers advised that the virus may not solely be responsible for all the damage. Systemic effects of the infection, including inflammation, low oxygen levels, abnormal blood clotting, and cardiac arrest, might play a role in EEG abnormalities that extend beyond the frontal lobes.
Assessing Long-Term Effects: Brain Fog
Some recovering COVID-19 patients report persistent health issues, now coined as "long COVID," including brain fog. A recent study indicated that these individuals demonstrated less optimal cognitive performance on an online cognitive test compared to those without a history of the virus. Although this study does not certify the infection's causality behind long-term cognitive decline, it raises concerns about lingering neurological consequences.
Implications of EEG Abnormalities
With EEG abnormalities linked to the neurological symptoms of COVID-19, Dr. Haneef stresses the possibility of long-term issues for recovering patients. The research findings provide additional evidence that supports the idea of long-term neurological concerns resulting from COVID-19. On a positive note, approximately 56.8% of those with follow-up EEG tests demonstrated improvements.
Future Directions for Research
While the research suggests a connection between COVID-19, neurological symptoms, and EEG abnormalities, detailed studies specifically targeting this correlation in patients with preexisting neurological conditions are lacking. To fully understand the relationship between COVID-19 severity and EEG abnormalities in the frontal lobes, longitudinal studies employing EEG to monitor brain activity shifts over the course of infection in these populations are essential.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7244977/[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7027080/[3] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-70592-z[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7497297/
- In light of the EEG findings, concerns about the impact of COVID-19 on mental health and other neurological disorders, such as epilepsy seizures and various neurological disorders, are warranted.
- As the pandemic evolves, it is crucial to consider the potential long-term effects of COVID-19, including cognitive decline and mental health issues, on health and wellness in addition to the immediate physical symptoms.
- Ongoing research is needed to understand how COVID-19 and its associated complications may affect individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, such as epilepsy or other neurodegenerative diseases, to ascertain the full extent of the virus's neurological impacts.
- The current body of research suggests that COVID-19 may exacerbate or even trigger neurological conditions such as epilepsy seizures and strokes, further emphasizing the need to prioritize brain health during and after the pandemic.
