Brain's Frontal Lobes' Electrical Activity May be Affected by COVID-19
COVID-19 patients with neurological symptoms are increasingly showing abnormalities in their brains, according to a review of research. The findings suggest a link between the severity of the disease and the extent of these abnormalities, particularly in the frontal lobes of the brain.
Researchers analyzed EEG results from 617 patients across 84 studies. They found that around a third of the abnormal findings were in the frontal lobes, leading some experts to speculate a possible connection between the virus's entry point in the nose and the affected brain region.
The study, published in the journal Seizure: European Journal of Epilepsy, revealed that the slowing of brain waves and abnormal electrical discharges were the most common findings. The extent of these abnormalities was positively correlated with the severity of the disease and the presence of preexisting neurological conditions, such as epilepsy.
Approximately 15-25% of patients with severe COVID-19 may experience neurological symptoms, including headaches, confusion, seizures, and strokes. Doctors may refer these patients for an EEG test, which involves placing electrodes on the scalp to monitor the electrical activity of the brain.
While the virus may not be directly responsible for all the damage, systemic effects of infection, such as inflammation, low oxygen levels, and unusual blood properties, may contribute to EEG abnormalities. The study identified "diffuse slowing" in the background electrical activity of the whole brain in almost 70% of patients.
Some people who have recovered from COVID-19 report ongoing health issues, including "brain fog." A recent study found that individuals who claimed to have had COVID-19 performed less well on an online cognitive test than those without the virus, suggesting potential long-term cognitive decline. However, experts noted that this study does not prove a definitive cause-and-effect relationship.
On a positive note, the authors report that 56.8% of patients with follow-up EEG tests showed improvements. The researchers acknowledge that their analysis had limitations, including a lack of access to raw data and potential biases in study selection and reporting.
In conclusion, EEG abnormalities in COVID-19 patients are linked to the severity of the disease and the presence of preexisting neurological conditions. These findings highlight the importance of neurological monitoring in these patients, as they may face long-term consequences. For more advice on COVID-19 prevention, treatment, and resources, visit our coronavirus hub.
[Reference material available upon request]
- The coronavirus, particularly in severe cases, seems to have a significant impact on the brain, with many COVID-19 patients showing neurological symptoms such as seizures, headaches, and strokes.
- A study published in the journal Seizure: European Journal of Epilepsy revealed that the slowing of brain waves and abnormal electrical discharges were the most common findings in COVID-19 patients, with around 70% showing "diffuse slowing" in their background electrical activity.
- The study also found that the extent of these EEG abnormalities was positively correlated with the severity of the disease and the presence of preexisting neurological conditions like epilepsy.
- As more research is conducted, it becomes increasingly clear that COVID-19 patients may face long-term consequences related to their mental health and neurological disorders, such as epilepsy seizures or cognitive decline, emphasizing the importance of ongoing health and wellness monitoring.
