Brain's Frontal Lobes Electric Activity Potentially Affected by COVID-19
It's no secret that the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) doesn't just attack your lungs; it can also wreak havoc on the brain. Research shows that about 15-25% of patients with severe COVID-19 cases may experience neurological symptoms, like headaches, confusion, seizures, and strokes.
To get a closer look at how the virus affects the brain, scientists from Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Pittsburgh analyzed EEG results from 617 patients, found in 84 different studies. The study found that around a third of the abnormal findings originated in the frontal lobes, which could hint at a connection between the brain and the virus's point of entry - the nose.
A significant finding was the positive correlation between the extent of EEG abnormalities and the severity of the disease, as well as the presence of preexisting neurological conditions, such as epilepsy. Interestingly, the virus might not be the sole culprit for the damage; inflammation, low oxygen levels, sticky blood, and cardiac arrest could contribute to EEG abnormalities that extend beyond the frontal lobes.
Some people who recover from COVID-19 still report ongoing health problems, often referred to as 'long COVID'. One such problem is known as 'brain fog,' and research suggests that the infection might have an aging effect on cognition, making individuals perform poorly on cognitive tests. While these findings don't definitively confirm a causal link, they raise concerns about long-term effects on the brain.
Dr. Zulfi Haneef, one of the co-authors of the study, emphasizes these findings indicate the need for further investigation, suggesting that EEG tests, as well as other imaging techniques like MRI or CT scans, should be conducted on a wider range of patients to better understand the impact of the virus on the brain. Despite some limitations in the research, the study revealed improvements in 56.8% of patients who underwent follow-up EEG tests.
So, keep your wits about you, folks! While we're still learning about the long-term effects of COVID-19, it's clear that the virus doesn't just play games with your lungs - it can mess with your mind too. Stay informed, stay safe, and don't just blow off those weird neurological symptoms – get 'em checked out!
The coronavirus (COVID-19) can have significant impact on the brain, causing neurological conditions such as seizures, headaches, and strokes. A study conducted by scientists from Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Pittsburgh revealed that around a third of the EEG abnormalities found in patients with severe COVID-19 originated in the frontal lobes, suggesting a connection between the virus's point of entry and the brain. Additionally, preexisting neurological conditions like epilepsy may increase the extent of EEG abnormalities and the severity of the disease.
