Brain's Frontal Lobes Electrical Activity Disrupted by COVID-19
In a review of studies covering COVID-19 patients with neurological symptoms, researchers found a connection between the virus and brain abnormalities, particularly in the frontal lobes. These areas, closely linked to the nose – the suspected entry point of the virus – showed the most noticeable issues. Dr. Zulfi Haneef, a co-author of the study, suggests that EEG tests and other brain imaging techniques like MRI or CT scans should be used more frequently to get a closer look at these parts of the brain.
The virus may not be solely responsible for all brain damage observed; systemic effects of the infection, such as inflammation, low oxygen levels, and cardiac arrest, might also play a role in the EEG abnormalities that extend beyond the frontal lobes.
The findings add to concerns about the long-term effects of COVID-19 on brain function. While the virus is often believed to be a temporary affliction, Dr. Haneef emphasizes that these discoveries suggest there might be lasting issues for some patients. On the upside, almost 56.8% of patients with follow-up EEG tests showed improvement.
EEG tests can aid in assessing neurological symptoms by detecting changes in brain activity that could indicate cognitive dysfunction or other neurological abnormalities. While specific studies on the use of EEG in COVID-19 patients were not detailed, EEG tests can:
- Monitor Changes in Brain Activity: They can help identify shifts in brain wave patterns associated with cognitive problems or other neurological symptoms.
- Assess Neurological Function: EEGs can evaluate the severity of neurological symptoms and monitor their progression or improvement over time.
- Support Diagnostic Processes: EEG results can support diagnoses of neurological conditions potentially associated with COVID-19, such as encephalopathy or other brain dysfunctions.
Though not explicitly mentioned in the research as a diagnostic tool for COVID-19-related neurological symptoms, EEG tests could be valuable in clinical settings to explore and comprehend neurological manifestations of COVID-19.
- The coronavirus, as researchers discovered in a review of studies, has been linked to brain abnormalities in COVID-19 patients, particularly in the frontal lobes.
- The long-term effects of COVID-19 on brain function are a cause for concern, as Dr. Haneef's findings suggest that some patients may experience lingering issues.
- EEG tests, which can help assess neurological symptoms by detecting changes in brain activity, might prove valuable in clinical settings to better understand the neurological manifestations of COVID-19, potentially aiding in the diagnosis of associated conditions like encephalopathy. Additionally, they can monitor changes in brain activity, assess neurological function, and support diagnostic processes.
