COVID-19 may interfere with electrical impulses in the frontal regions of the brain
Article
A recent review of numerous studies suggests that electroencephalography (EEG) tests often reveal abnormalities in the frontal part of the brain among COVID-19 patients who experience neurological symptoms. These symptoms can include headaches, confusion, impaired consciousness, seizures, and strokes.
According to estimates, approximately 15-25% of patients with severe COVID-19 may encounter neurological issues. To assess the impact of the virus on the brain, researchers analyzed EEG results from 617 patients, amassed in 84 separate studies. The analysis revealed that the most common abnormalities detected were slowed brain waves and irregular electrical discharges.
The researchers found that the extent of EEG abnormalities generally increased with the severity of the disease, and were particularly frequent among individuals with pre-existing neurological conditions like epilepsy. Dr. Zulfi Haneef, one of the study's co-authors, suggests that doctors should consider conducting EEG tests on a broader range of patients experiencing neurological symptoms, as well as other brain imaging methods, such as MRIs or CT scans.
The team at Baylor College of Medicine hypothesizes that the virus may initially gain entry into the brain through the nose, due to its proximity to the frontal lobes. However, they also acknowledge that the damage may not be solely attributed to the virus, and that systemic effects, such as inflammation, low oxygen levels, sticky blood, and cardiac issues, could contribute to EEG abnormalities that extend beyond the frontal lobes.
A separate study, though not yet peer-reviewed or published, showed that individuals who claim to have had COVID-19 performed less well on an online cognitive test than those who did not believe they had contracted the virus. Some people who have recovered from COVID-19 experience ongoing health problems now referred to as "long COVID." These issues can include cognitive decline, often referred to as "brain fog."
Dr. Haneef suggests that these findings reinforce concerns about potential long-term effects on the brain. While the authors of the current study acknowledge the limitations of their analysis, they report that 56.8% of patients showed improvements during follow-up EEG tests.
Sources:
- Seizure: European Journal of Epilepsy
- MedRxiv
- Science Media Centre, London, United Kingdom
COVID-19 patients with neurological symptoms, such as seizures, may display abnormalities in their frontal brain regions during electroencephalography (EEG) tests, as revealed by recent scientific studies. This highlights the need for medical professionals to consider EEG tests and other brain imaging methods for patients experiencing neurological disorders, including epilepsy and other neurological conditions. The potential long-term impact on brain health and wellness, including cognitive decline and "brain fog," warrants ongoing research and precautionary measures in health and medical practices.
