Brain's Frontal Lobes Disruption Possible Due to COVID-19
**COVID-19 and the Frontal Lobes: An Uncensored Examination*
Brain scans reveal that a good chunk of individuals infected with the coronavirus are experiencing neurological symptoms, such as headaches, delirium, and seizures. These symptoms are linked to abnormalities identified by brain activity tests, particularly in the frontal lobes of the brain.
Research suggests that around 15-25% of severe COVID-19 cases may involve neurological issues. To better understand how the virus affects the brain, experts are turning to electroencephalography (EEG) tests, a non-invasive procedure in which electrodes are placed on the scalp to measure brain activity.
A comprehensive review of 84 studies looked at EEG results from 617 patients. The majority of these individuals had a median age of 61 and were male. Researchers found that in over one-third of cases, the abnormalities were located in the frontal lobes.
Dr. Zulfi Haneef, an assistant professor of neurology/neurophysiology at Baylor College of Medicine and co-author of the study, states, "We know the most likely entry point for the virus is the nose, so there seems to be a connection between the part of the brain located directly next to that entry point."
He added, "These findings tell us we need to try EEG on a wider range of patients, as well as other types of brain imaging, like MRI or CT scans, that will give us a closer look at the frontal lobe."
However, it's important to note that the virus may not be directly responsible for all the damage. Systemic effects of the infection, such as inflammation, low oxygen levels, abnormal blood clotting, and cardiac arrest, could contribute to EEG abnormalities.
Approximately 70% of patients showed "diffuse slowing" in the background electrical activity of their brains. This condition, known as "brain fog," has been reported as a common issue among COVID-19 survivors.
A recent, unpublished study suggests that those who have contracted the virus may experience long-term cognitive decline. Experts suggest that further research is needed to confirm this theory. However, the EEG abnormalities linked to COVID-19 neurological symptoms add to concerns about lasting effects on the brain.
Despite the limitations of the study, such as the lack of access to raw data and possible skewing of results due to selective reporting, it sheds light on the potentially long-term impact of COVID-19 on brain function. On the positive side, over half of patients showed improvements after follow-up EEG tests.
Keep in mind that while evidence suggests a connection between COVID-19 and EEG abnormalities in the frontal lobes, a direct link is not explicitly established. Yet, the broader neurological impacts of COVID-19 and the known effects on brain function and neurocognitive performance suggest that such abnormalities could occur.
Stay informed about the newest developments concerning the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 here.
[1] Neurocognitive impairments in COVID-19 patients: A comprehensive review[2] Case report of a child with severe neurological symptoms linked to COVID-19[3] Using EEG to assess stress levels and other conditions, focusing on frontal and temporal regions.
- The coronavirus, behind the COVID-19 outbreak, is not only affecting respiratory conditions but also revealing neurological symptoms such as epilepsy seizures, headaches, and delirium, which are linked to abnormalities in the frontal lobes of the brain.
- Aging individuals and men, who form the majority of COVID-19 patients, are particularly prone to these neurological abnormalities identified by brain activity tests, like EEG.
- Science, especially in the field of medical-conditions, is keen on understanding the mechanisms by which the virus affects the brain and causes chronic diseases like neurological disorders.
- For instance, a review of 84 studies pointed out that over one-third of COVID-19 patients showed abnormalities in the frontal lobes, suggesting the need for more comprehensive studies on this subject.
- In addition to the immediate impact of the virus, there are concerns about the potential long-term cognitive decline and mental-health effects that could occur due to these neurological symptoms.
- Climate change, environmental-science, and eye-health are not direct factors in this discussion, but a healthy and well-maintained body, through fitness-and-exercise and skincare, may help counteract some of the negative effects of COVID-19.
- CBD, a compound found in cannabis, has shown promising results in managing neurological disorders, but more research is needed to determine its effectiveness in preventing or mitigating the COVID-19-related neurological symptoms.
- Another area of concern is the health-and-wellness of the elderly population, who are more susceptible to severe COVID-19 and may also be affected by other chronic diseases like respiratory conditions and skin-conditions.
- Space-and-astronomy might seem unrelated, but the ongoing developments in these fields can contribute to advancements in technology, enabling further research and understanding of COVID-19 and its impacts on brain function.
