COVID-19 Alterations May Impinge upon Frontal Lobe's Electrical Functions in the Brain
COVID-19's impact on the brain is becoming more evident, thanks to a review of research that reveals neurological symptoms are common among severe cases. These symptoms can range from headaches and confusion to seizures and strokes. To get a better understanding of COVID-19's impact on the brain, researchers analyzed EEG results from 617 patients across 84 different studies.
The EEG tests involved placing electrodes on the scalp to monitor brain activity. The study found that over a third of the abnormal findings were in the frontal lobes, which is nearby the most likely entry point for the virus—the nose. However, it's essential to note that the virus might not be directly responsible for all the damage. Systemic effects of the infection, such as inflammation, low oxygen levels, sticky blood, and even cardiac arrest, could play a role in abnormalities that extend beyond the frontal lobes.
Around 70% of patients showed diffuse slowing in the background electrical activity of the whole brain. Furthermore, roughly half of the patients who had follow-up EEG tests showed improvements, which is encouraging news.
However, concerns about long-term issues persist. Some people who recover from COVID-19 report ongoing health problems, colloquially known as long COVID, including "brain fog." A recent, not-yet-peer-reviewed study found that individuals who claim to have had COVID performed worse on an online cognitive test than those who did not believe they were infected. This study adds to growing concerns about the potential lasting effects on the brain.
So, while the picture isn't entirely clear, there's a growing body of evidence suggesting that COVID-19 can affect the brain, sometimes with lingering consequences. More research is needed to fully understand the extent and specificity of these effects.
- The impact of COVID-19 on individuals' neurological conditions, such as epilepsy seizures, may extend beyond the acute phase, as many people reporting long COVID symptoms experience ongoing mental-health issues like "brain fog."
- As the coronavirus can affect various medical-conditions, it's crucial for scientists to explore other potential neurological disorders that might be linked to COVID-19 infection.
- In light of the findings indicating COVID-19's influence on the brain, health-and-wellness enthusiasts have shown interest in alternative treatments like CBD, which some studies suggest could help alleviate symptoms related to neurological disorders and mental-health issues.
- As the research on COVID-19's effects on the brain progresses, scientists must also consider the viruses' impact on overall health, ensuring comprehensive understanding of not only neurological damage but also any systemic effects it may have on the cardiovascular system and other critical organs.
