Brain's frontal lobes' electrical activity can be disrupted by COVID-19
Brain abnormalities detected through EEG scans are quite prevalent among patients grappling with the neurological repercussions of COVID-19. These scans, which monitor electrical activity in the brain using electrodes placed on the scalp, can help doctors better understand the impact of the virus on the mind.
According to a review published in the journal Seizure: European Journal of Epilepsy, researchers analyzed EEG results from 617 patients, sourced from 84 different studies. The majority of the patients examined were aged 61, with a male majority making up two-thirds of the sample. The most common abnormalities discovered were slowing of brain waves and unusual electrical discharges.
Interestingly, it appears that the virus might favor attacking the frontal lobes of the brain, considered the most likely entry point given that COVID-19 predominantly enters the body through the nose. Dr. Zulfi Haneef, assistant professor of neurology/neurophysiology at Baylor College of Medicine, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for more EEG testing and other brain imaging techniques, such as MRIs or CT scans, to obtain a clearer image of the frontal lobe.
What's more, the extent of EEG abnormalities could correlate with the severity of the disease and existing neurological conditions, like epilepsy. However, it's important to note that the virus might not be the sole culprit. Systemic effects caused by the infection, such as inflammation, low oxygen levels, sticky blood, and even cardiac arrest, might contribute to the EEG abnormalities that extend beyond the frontal lobes.
The emergence of EEG abnormalities associated with neurological symptoms of COVID-19 certainly adds to the concerns about long-term effects on the brain. A study, posted on the preprint server MedRxiv but not yet peer-reviewed, found that individuals who claim to have had COVID-19 exhibited lower performance on a cognitive test compared to those who did not believe they had contracted the virus. Experts suspect long-term cognitive decline, but this study does not confirm it.
On a positive note, the researchers reported an improvement in around 56.8% of patients who received follow-up EEG tests. Despite limitations, such as lack of access to raw data, selective reporting of EEG results, and potential prescription of anti-seizure medications that could've obscured signs of seizures, the findings highlight the importance of understanding neurological complications related to COVID-19.
For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 and its effects on the brain, consult our coronavirus hub. Keep in mind that the situation is constantly evolving, and adhering to guidelines for prevention and treatment is crucial to protect yourself and others from this novel virus.
- The Covid-19 virus seems to prefer attacking the frontal lobes of the brain, a potential entry point given that the virus predominantly enters the body through the nose.
- The Emergence of EEG abnormalities associated with neurological symptoms of Covid-19 adds to concerns about the virus's long-term effects on the brain.
- A review of EEG results from 617 patients revealed that the most common abnormalities discovered were slowing of brain waves and unusual electrical discharges.
- COVID-19's neurological impact, as indicated by EEG abnormalities, could correlate with the severity of the disease and existing neurological conditions like epilepsy, although it's unclear if the virus is the sole culprit.
