Brain's Frontal Lobes Electrical Activity Disrupted by COVID-19
COVID-19 and its effect on the brain have been under the spotlight, with studies revealing that abnormalities in brain activity are prevalent among hospitalized patients with neurological symptoms related to the virus. Here's a breakdown of the scope of EEG abnormalities, their correlation with the severity of the disease, and potential long-term effects.
Up to a Quarter of Severe COVID-19 Cases Exhibit Neurological Symptoms
An estimated 15-25% of patients with severe COVID-19 may experience neurological symptoms, which can range from headaches to more severe issues such as delirium, seizures, and strokes. When these symptoms arise, doctors may refer patients for EEG tests to monitor brain activity.
A Third of EEG Abnormalities Occur in the Frontal Lobes
Researchers analyzed EEG results from 617 patients to investigate how COVID-19 might impact the brain. They found that about a third of the abnormal findings were centered in the frontal lobes, suggesting a connection between this area of the brain and the initial entry point of the virus, the nose.
Abnormal EEG Findings Correlate with Disease Severity
The researchers found that the severity of COVID-19 correlates positively with EEG abnormalities—the more severe the disease, the greater the abnormalities. This is particularly concerning for those who have underlying neurological conditions, such as epilepsy, as the virus may exacerbate existing issues.
EEG Abnormalities: More Than Just the Virus?
The virus may not be directly responsible for all brain abnormalities. Systemic effects such as inflammation, low oxygen levels, cardiac arrest, and "sticky" blood may also contribute to EEG abnormalities that extend beyond the frontal lobes.
Long COVID and Brain Fog
While some patients recover from COVID-19, others report ongoing health issues, often referred to as long COVID. Among these symptoms is "brain fog," which some studies suggest may be the result of cognitive declines caused by the virus.
Concerning Evidence of Persistent Cognitive Decline
A recent, yet-to-be-peer-reviewed study found that individuals who claim to have had COVID-19 performed less well on cognitive tests compared to those who did not believe they had contracted the virus. These findings suggest that COVID-19 might accelerate cognitive aging by around a decade and raise concerns about lasting neurological effects.
Limitations of the Research
It's essential to consider the limitations of this research, such as the lack of access to raw data, omitted normal EEG results, and the potential skewing of results due to doctors performing more EEGs on patients with neurological symptoms. Additionally, the use of anti-seizure medications and the obscuring of signs of seizures in EEG traces could impact the findings.
The Bottom Line
The presence of EEG abnormalities associated with the neurological symptoms of COVID-19 adds to the growing concerns about long-term neurological consequences. With symptoms such as brain fog persisting in some patients, it's crucial to continue monitoring the effects of COVID-19 on the brain and determining best practices for treatment and recovery.
- Individuals with underlying medical-conditions like epilepsy might experience worsened issues due to the positive correlation between COVID-19 severity and EEG abnormalities.
- About a third of EEG abnormalities in COVID-19 patients are found in the frontal lobes, potentially highlighting a connection between this area of the brain and the virus's entry point, the nose.
- Apart from the virus, systemic effects like inflammation, low oxygen levels, cardiac arrest, and "sticky" blood may contribute to EEG abnormalities observed in patients.
- Long COVID, with symptoms such as "brain fog," and ongoing cognitive declines could be a long-term neurological impact of the coronavirus, as suggested by recent studies.
