COVID-19 may potentially interfere with electrical functionality in the frontal regions of the brain.
Remote Brain Wave Research Points to COVID-19's Impact on the Frontal Lobe
Let's discuss a recent review of studies focusing on the connection between COVID-19 and abnormalities in brain waves, as captured by electroencephalography (EEG) tests.
On the Front Lines of the Pandemic Brain
According to estimates, roughly 15-25% of people with severe COVID-19 experience neurological symptoms, including headaches, confusion, and seizures. To investigate the effects of COVID-19 on the brain, researchers analyzed EEG data from over 600 patients across 84 different studies.
The review, published in the journal Seizure: European Journal of Epilepsy, revealed that the most common EEG findings were slowing of brain waves and abnormal electrical discharges. Interestingly, these abnormalities were often concentrated in the frontal lobes, raising intriguing questions about COVID-19's potential impact on this portion of the brain.
Nose jobs for Coronavirus
Dr. Zulfi Haneef, assistant professor of neurology/neurophysiology at Baylor College of Medicine, offers an explanation: "We know that the most likely entry point for the virus is the nose, so there seems to be a connection between the part of the brain that is located directly next to that entry point." This finding underscores the importance of studying the brain's response to COVID-19 through EEG and other imaging techniques.
Are We Looking at COVID-19's Long-Term Legacy?
Alarmingly, the virus may not be solely responsible for the damage observed in EEG results. Systemic effects of infection, such as inflammation, low oxygen levels, and cardiac arrest, may also contribute to the observed abnormalities, particularly outside the frontal lobes.
In some cases, the researchers noted that around 70% of patients showed signs of overall "diffuse slowing." This phenomenon refers to the decreased speed of brain waves across the entire brain, which could be an indicator of more widespread neurological impact.
Long COVID and Brain Fog
Cognitive effects, often referred to as "brain fog," are increasingly reported by individuals who have recovered from COVID-19. One recent study found that people who believed they had had COVID-19 scored lower on a cognitive test compared to those who didn't suspect the virus. While this study hasn't been peer-reviewed, it raises concerns about the lingering consequences of COVID-19 on brain function.
"With these findings, we now have more evidence supporting the concern that there might be long-term issues due to COVID-19," remarks Dr. Haneef. Furthermore, he notes that 56.8% of patients who underwent follow-up EEG tests showed improvement.
What's Next for COVID-19 Brain Wave Research?
Given these revelations, researchers must delve deeper to better understand the neurological impacts of COVID-19. Focusing on techniques like EEG and brain imaging may offer valuable insights into the virus's effect on the brain, particularly in areas like the frontal lobes. As we continue to unravel the mysteries of COVID-19, it's crucial to maintain a vigilant and open-minded approach to research.
[1] COVID-19 Neurological Complications and Impacts (Source: PubMed)[2] Long COVID and Cognitive Impairments (Source: JAMA Neurology)[3] EEG and Brain Excitability Changes (Source: American Journal of Physiology)
The findings of the review,published in the journal Seizure: European Journal of Epilepsy, suggest that COVID-19 may impact neurological conditions, such as epilepsy seizures, as it was discovered that the most common EEG findings were slowing of brain waves and abnormal electrical discharges, often concentrated in the frontal lobes. This research underlines the importance of studying health-and-wellness and medical-conditions like neurological disorders, specifically the effects of COVID-19 on the brain. The study also reveals that the virus could have long-term consequences, contributing to conditions like "brain fog" and other neurological effects, such as slowing of brain waves across the entire brain (diffuse slowing), which could be an indicator of more widespread neurological impact.
[1] COVID-19 Neurological Complications and Impacts (Source: PubMed)[2] Long COVID and Cognitive Impairments (Source: JAMA Neurology)[3] EEG and Brain Excitability Changes (Source: American Journal of Physiology)
