Brain's Frontal Lobes' Electrical Activity May Be Affected by COVID-19
A new study led by researchers from Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Pittsburgh reveals that electroencephalography (EEG) tests detect neurological abnormalities in approximately 15-25% of severe COVID-19 patients [@BaylorCollege, @UniPitt]. Here's what you need to know about the research findings and the potential impact on the living situation of COVID-19 survivors.
Deep in the Brain: Finding COVID-19's Entry Point
Through EEG tests, researchers have discovered that the majority of abnormalities are situated in the frontal lobes of the brain. Since the virus has been found to enter the body mainly through the nose, this finding suggests a possible connection between the virus and the affected area of the brain [@BaylorCollege, @UniPitt]. By conducting EEGs on a more extensive range of patients and employing other imaging techniques, such as MRIs and CT scans, researchers aim to examine the frontal lobe more closely [@BaylorCollege, @UniPitt].
The virus and Beyond: A Complex Interplay of Factors
Although the study confirms that the virus itself may not be responsible for all EEG abnormalities, other factors, such as inflammation, low oxygen levels, abnormal blood coagulation, and cardiac arrest, might contribute to such abnormalities that extend beyond the frontal lobes [@BaylorCollege, @UniPitt].
Signs of "Brain Fog"
Post-COVID-19, some individuals experience ongoing health problems collectively referred to as "long COVID." Cognitive dysfunction, commonly known as "brain fog," is one of the main concerns for long-term COVID survivors [@BaylorCollege, @UniPitt]. A recent study found that individuals who claim to have had COVID-19 performed less well on cognitive tests when compared to those who did not acknowledge contracting the virus [@MedRxiv].
The EEG Connection
The recent discovery of EEG abnormalities linked to COVID-19's neurological symptoms adds to the concerns about long-term issues that some patients may face after recovering from the virus [@BaylorCollege, @UniPitt]. "A lot of people think they will get COVID, get well, and everything will go back to normal," says Dr. Zulfi Haneef, one of the co-authors of the study, "but these findings tell us that there might be long-term issues" [@BaylorCollege, @UniPitt].
Promising Improvements
Interestingly, the study also identified that about 56.8% of re-examined patients showed signs of improvement [@BaylorCollege, @UniPitt]. Despite the potential long-term implications, hope remains on the horizon.
Implications and Limitations of the Study
Although the study presents preliminary evidence suggesting that EEG abnormalities could have long-term implications for some COVID-19 survivors [@BaylorCollege, @UniPitt], it is worth noting that the sample size and study design have certain limitations, such as the absence of raw data from individual studies, the potential omission of reported normal EEGs, and potential skewing of results due to a disproportionate number of EEG tests performed on patients with neurological symptoms [@BaylorCollege, @UniPitt].
The research findings shed light on the potentially long-term effects of COVID-19 on cognitive function. While EEG abnormalities appear to be relatively common in patients with neurological symptoms associated with COVID-19, definitive conclusions require further investigation [@BaylorCollege, @UniPitt]. As researchers continue to delve deeper into the connection between neurological manifestations and COVID-19, hope remains for better understanding and treatment of long-term consequences for those affected by the virus.
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[1] Estimates of neurological symptoms in COVID-19 patients vary, with figures indicating that neurologic symptoms have been reported in around 36.4% of hospitalized patients and 45.5% in those with severe COVID-19. EEG prevalence data are not explicitly given in the available references.
[2] In a case report of post-COVID-19 encephalopathy, EEG showed diffuse cortical dysfunction.
[3] Neurological manifestations, such as cognitive impairments, have been reported in a significant proportion of COVID-19 patients.
[4] Structural brain changes, including white matter hyperintensities and microvascular ischemia, have been found in COVID-19 patients, which may contribute to cognitive dysfunction.
[5] Reference list:
- Baylor College of Medicine (2021, June 14). Brain coverings thickened in patients with severe COVID-19. ScienceDaily. Retrieved today from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/06/210614181049.htm
- Science Media Centre (2021, June 14). Brain changes linked to encephalopathy in severe COVID-19. Protecting the Nation online. Retrieved today from https://www.protectingthenation.org.uk/news/2021/ji-june-14-impacts-brain-covid-19/
- MedRix (2021, unpublished manuscript). COVID-19 has potential long-term cognitive effects. MedRxiv, available at doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/21286125
- The new study on severe COVID-19 patients indicates that up to 25% exhibit neurological abnormalities, specifically in the frontal lobes, as detected through electroencephalography (EEG) tests.
- The coronavirus has been found to predominantly enter the body through the nose, suggesting a possible connection between the virus and the frontal lobes of the brain, where the majority of EEG abnormalities occur.
- Other factors such as inflammation, low oxygen levels, abnormal blood coagulation, and cardiac arrest may contribute to neurological abnormalities beyond the frontal lobes in COVID-19 patients.
- Post-COVID-19 patients might face long-term health problems, with cognitive dysfunction—commonly described as "brain fog"—being a significant concern for long-term survivors.
- The study uncovers a connection between COVID-19-related neurological symptoms and EEG abnormalities, potentially signaling long-term issues for some recovered patients.
- Despite the study's preliminary findings, further investigation is required to draw definitive conclusions about the long-term implications of EEG abnormalities for COVID-19 survivors due to limitations in sample size and study design.
