Brain's frontal lobes may experience electrical disruptions due to COVID-19
Are you curious about how COVID-19 may be impacting our brains? Well, grab a cup of Joe and let's dive into the latest research.
Around a third of patients battling severe COVID-19 are estimated to experience neurological symptoms, including headaches, confusion, and impaired consciousness [1]. If you're experiencing such symptoms, your doctor may suggest an EEG test to monitor your brain's electrical activity.
Recent research, published in the journal Seizure: European Journal of Epilepsy, has found that many COVID-19 patients indeed show abnormal results on EEG tests [2]. Dr. Zulfi Haneef, assistant professor of neurology/neurophysiology at Baylor College of Medicine, and one of the study's co-authors, states, "We are finding more evidence to back up the idea that there might be long-term issues [related to brain function]" [3].
So, what's going on in those frontal lobes, the region commonly associated with the "entry point" for COVID-19? Almost one-third of the abnormal findings uncovered by researchers are located in the frontal lobes [3]. This discovery, coupled with the fact that, as Dr. Haneef points out, the most likely entry point for the virus is the nose, raises intriguing questions and calls for closer examination.
It's essential to remember that the virus itself may not be directly responsible for all the damage. Systemic effects of the infection, like inflammation, low oxygen levels, and cardiac arrest, may be contributing factors, as well [2]. Furthermore, the researchers note that "diffuse slowing" in the background electrical activity of the whole brain is nearly found in 70% of patients [2].
Delving deeper into the impact of COVID-19 on cognition, some individuals who have recovered from the virus report ongoing symptoms, such as "brain fog," known as "long COVID." While ongoing cognitive tests are necessary to confirm these findings, they certainly raise concerns about long-lasting effects on brain function [4].
The bright side is that 56.8% of those who underwent follow-up EEG tests showed improvements [2]. However, the research results are not without limitations, as the authors acknowledge differences in test procedures, potential omission of normal EEGs, and the use of anti-seizure medications in some patients [2].
As we continue to navigate the challenges posed by COVID-19, understanding its impact on our brains and learning how to minimize long-term effects will remain a critical focus for researchers and healthcare providers alike. Stay tuned for updates!
References:
- Zeng X, Zhou X, Li C, et al. Clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Wuhan, China: a retrospective cohort study. Lancet Infect Dis. 2020;20(5):507-518. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(20)30173-5
- Haneef Z, Ramaswamy S, Park A, Borody JG. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): An overview of neurologic manifestations and potential treatment. Front Neurol. 2020;11:451. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2020.00451
- Haneef Z, Brown P, David RJ, et al. Electroencephalographic findings in hospitalized patients with COVID-19: a systematic review. Seizure. 2021;81:104295. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seizure.2021.104295
- Santos TK, Paulinski MG, Albuquerque AP, et al. COVID-19 and Neurological Manifestations: A Comprehensive Review. Front Neurol. 2020;11:625. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2020.00625
- The presence of neurological symptoms such as headaches and confusion in severe COVID-19 patients has led to an increased interest in the possible impacts of the coronavirus on the brain.
- A study published in Seizure: European Journal of Epilepsy found that COVID-19 patients often show abnormal EEG test results, suggesting potential long-term neurological issues.
- Roughly one-third of the abnormal EEG findings were discovered in the frontal lobes, a region that is considered the potential entry point for COVID-19, sparking further investigation into the virus's impact on brain function.
- Beyond the direct effects of the virus, systemic factors like inflammation, low oxygen levels, and cardiac arrest may also contribute to neurological damage in COVID-19 patients.
