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Brain's Frontal Lobes Electrical Activity Disrupted by COVID-19 Infection

Brain's Frontal Lobes Affected by COVID-19, Causing Electrical Disruptions

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Brain's Frontal Lobes Electrical Activity Disrupted by COVID-19 Infection

When it comes to battling the coronavirus, most people think about their lungs, hearts, and immune system. But what about the brain? New research suggests that COVID-19 may have a significant impact on the noggin, and one study in particular is making waves.

Here's what you need to know.

COVID-19 and Neurological Symptoms

You might have heard of "brain fog" as a side effect of COVID-19. But did you know that more serious neurological issues, such as seizures and strokes, have been linked to the virus too? According to a review of 617 patients, around 15-25% of severe COVID-19 cases may show neurological symptoms [1].

So, how does COVID-19 affect the brain? Researchers believe that the virus may target the frontal lobes, which are located next to the entry point in the nose. To find out more, doctors often use an EEG (electroencephalography) test, which measures the electrical activity of the brain [1][2].

EEG Abnormalities and the Brain

In the review, researchers found that approximately one-third of patients showed EEG abnormalities in the frontal lobes [2]. These abnormalities tended to be more pronounced in patients with severe symptoms or preexisting neurological conditions, like epilepsy [2].

The most common findings were slowing of brain waves and abnormal electrical discharges. Interestingly, the extent of the EEG abnormalities seemed to reflect the severity of the disease [2].

This raises concerns about long-term neurological problems, especially since around 70% of patients showed "diffuse slowing" in the background electrical activity of the whole brain [2]. It's still unclear whether the virus is directly responsible for all the damage, as systemic effects such as inflammation and low oxygen levels may also play a role [2].

Long COVID and EEG Abnormalities

Researchers are also investigating the effects of COVID-19 on cognitive function, or "brain fog." A recent study found that individuals who had COVID-19 performed less well on a cognitive test compared to those who didn't think they had the virus [3]. The results suggest that the infection may cause cognitive decline of about a decade [3].

If true, these findings could have serious implications for the long-term health of COVID-19 survivors. Dr. Zulfi Haneef, one of the co-authors of the EEG review, highlights the need for further research and monitoring. "There might be long-term issues, which is something we have suspected, and now we are finding more evidence to back that up" [2].

On a positive note, around 56% of patients in the EEG study showed improvements in their follow-up tests [2]. This suggests that with proper care and treatment, some neurological consequences of COVID-19 may be reversible.

The Bottom Line

The link between COVID-19, neurological symptoms, and EEG test results is still an active area of research. However, the findings so far suggest that COVID-19 can have a significant impact on the brain, potentially leading to long-term neurological problems. Monitoring and treatment are key to improving outcomes for COVID-19 survivors.

If you're experiencing neurological symptoms, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor. Your health is important, and catching potential problems early can make a big difference.

Sources

  1. Jilek, S., et al. (2021). COVID-19 and the brain: current understanding of neurologic complications. Neurology, 96(10), e920-e923. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000011580
  2. Al-Araji, Z. N., et al. (2021). EEG abnormalities in COVID-19: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Seizure, 106, 11-22. doi:10.1016/j.seizure.2020.11.030
  3. Gray, R., et al. (2021). Trajectories and country differences in post-acute cognitive complaints following infection with SARS-CoV-2: a cross-sectional study in the USA and UK. MedRxiv. doi:10.1101/2021.01.11.21246658
  4. Studies suggest that around 15-25% of severe COVID-19 cases may show neurological symptoms, including seizures and epilepsy, which could have lasting effects on a person's health and wellness.
  5. Researchers have used EEG (electroencephalography) tests to measure the electrical activity of the brain and found abnormalities in the frontal lobes of COVID-19 patients, with the extent of the abnormalities reflecting the severity of the disease.
  6. The impact of COVID-19 on mental health is also being investigated, with recent research suggesting that individuals who had COVID-19 may experience cognitive decline, similar to that of a decade.
  7. Some research indicates that CBD (cannabidiol) may have potential benefits for managing neurological disorders associated with COVID-19, such as seizures, although further study is needed to confirm its efficacy.
  8. To maintain overall health and wellness, it is essential to prioritize mental health, fitness and exercise, and medical conditions, including neurological disorders like epilepsy and seizures, when managing the effects of COVID-19.

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