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COVID-19 Effects on the Brain

physician-Maushmi
Medically reviewed by Maushmi Sheth
physician-Maushmi
Medically reviewed by Maushmi Sheth

As of the end of May 2021, a respiratory illness referred to as coronavirus has swept the world, and the United States has now known about more than 34 million cases. Due to the rate and extent of the infection, it is already known today that this is an extremely unusual disease. In particular, due to the fact that it affects a number of body systems, including the heart and brain. Also, often appears a statement that people who have contracted coronavirus have begun to lose their sense of smell – which again indicates involvement in the integrity of the human nervous system.

With the subsequent waves of this disease, society began to complain of new neurological complications and became known cases of strokes, the main cause of which was COVID-19. At the end of 2020, it was found that SARS-CoV-2 enters the brain through the blood-brain barrier with the help of the forming of the spike protein. Thus, in the tissues of the brain, it leads to an inflammatory disease that causes neurological complications that persist even after recovery. In this article, we will take a closer look at why and how coronavirus relates to a neurological topic and the reasons why it is worth undergoing medical examinations.

Features of coronavirus infection

Features of coronavirus infection

COVID-19 most often affects the lungs, so the most common symptoms of the disease are coughing and shortness of breath. In the most severe cases, patients require mechanical ventilation. However, infection also often leads to neurological symptoms, ranging from headaches to seizures and these complications can persist for a very long time. 

The hypothesized reason for this is the entry of the virus into the brain. But the specific mechanisms of how this happens were not fully understood until researchers began to infect mice with it through the respiratory tract and intravenously. Also, German scientists helped to compile a complete picture. It turned out that:

  1. SARS-CoV-2 is able to enter the brain via the olfactory nerve. It stretches from the nasal mucosa into the cranial cavity, where it passes into the olfactory bulb, and it – into the olfactory tract, and further to the olfactory analyzer in the cerebral cortex. Thus, having penetrated into the cells of the nerve, the virus can rise to the brain and enter its different parts.
  2. Then the S1 protein allows SARS-CoV-2 to cross the blood-brain barrier – a “filter” between the circulatory system and the central nervous system. It protects the nervous tissue from microorganisms circulating in the blood, toxins, cellular and humoral factors of the immune system, which perceives the brain tissue as foreign.

This is not a unique phenomenon – a number of other viruses also have this property. Most of all, the behavior in the second step of SARS-CoV-2 infection in this regard reminded scientists of HIV. According to the author of the work, William Banks, the S1 protein in SARS-CoV2 and the gp 120 protein in the HIV-1 virus function in a similar way. Both have proteins-glycoproteins on the surface, which work like the “hands” of the virus, “grabbing” the receptors and penetrate the cells. Both viruses cross the blood-brain barrier, and S1, like gp120, is considered toxic to brain tissue.

It turned out that with COVID-19, breathing problems arise, not only because the infection enters the lungs but because the coronavirus enters the respiratory centers of the brain and disrupts their work. Minor inflammation can occur in response to any viral infection. In some people, especially the elderly or those with chronic illnesses, the immune system overreacts to an infection and gets out of control, leading to a cytokine storm – uncontrolled inflammation that damages the body’s own tissues. Cytokine storm is one of the most common causes of death in COVID-19. Researchers believe that a similar response in the brain causes long-term neurological complications after the illness.

What neurological complications can the coronavirus cause?

What neurological complications can the coronavirus cause

Although studies do not fully confirm the veracity of their theories, researchers still link many of the identified complications to the autopsies of infected patients. To date, more studies are known to support the prevalence of neurological abnormalities in patients with coronavirus, including mild symptoms and severe consequences such as:

  • headaches
  • loss of smell (anosmia)
  • tingling sensations (arcoparesthesia)
  • aphasia (inability to speak)
  • strokes and seizures
  • local hypoxic damage caused by a lack of oxygen and concomitant heart attacks (or ischemic strokes)
  • bleeding in the brain
  • acute disseminated encephalomyelitis.

The virus, previously considered a common respiratory illness, can also wreak havoc on the kidneys, liver, heart, and virtually all body systems. Not to mention the study, which revealed such consequences of the coronavirus as confusion, inattention, disorientation, or poorly organized movements in response to commands. Unfortunately, the global nature of the problem was not previously known since not every symptom identified was associated with this disease. In other words, doctors could not recognize neurological abnormalities. 

But today, the prevalence of the problem is attracting an ever-larger audience. Doctors work tirelessly to understand all the neurological complications that coronavirus causes. Today it is believed that several different disease processes are at work:

  • Complications from intensive care. This includes long-term cognitive problems and an increased risk of anxiety and depression.
  • Inflammatory or immune response. It provokes problems throughout the body, in particular, encephalitis and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. Patients with encephalitis may experience mild flu symptoms such as headaches, fever, and fatigue, or may experience more serious symptoms including confusion, seizures, paralysis, speech or hearing problems, and more.
  • Stroke. It became known that the coronavirus causes the formation of blood clots, large and small, which can enter the brain and cause a stroke. It can be identified as the first neurological complication, when common symptoms such as cough may be at an early stage of exacerbation.
  • Viral infection of the brain. There are cases when the virus was in the cerebrospinal fluid, which means an increased chance of infection of brain cells.

We hope that our article was useful to you. Remember, some of the brain damage from coronavirus can be irreversible. Therefore, it is worth taking tests for the disease and pass neurological examinations in the presence of even mild symptoms of coronavirus.

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Edward Medina
Edward Medina
15:34 30 Jun 22
Just such an amazing staff that makes you feel like part of their family. I’ve been going there for over 5 years now... and each visit I get the very best care and treatments that I have ever received in the 20+ years that I’ve been dealing with severe debilitating migraines. Since i started seeing them the number of my migraines has dropped from 15-20 a month to 2-3 every 3 month. I highly recommend them …they will change your life!read more
Daneisha Johnson
Daneisha Johnson
22:20 19 May 22
Dr. Askari was very kind and explained everything so I could understand. The other staff were nice as well. I would... have gave 5 stars but I was a little taken aback when I checked in and had to pay 600.00 upfront. I think that should have been discussed in a appointment confirmation call or email just so I could have been prepared.read more
Jean Cooper
Jean Cooper
16:54 29 Apr 22
I love the office staff they are friendly and very helpful. Dr. JODIE is very caring and understanding to your needs... and wants to help you. I will go back. would recommend Dr. Dr. Jodie to other Patients in a heart beat. The team works well together.read more
Linda M
Linda M
19:40 02 Apr 22
I was obviously stressed, needing to see a neurologist. The staff was so patient and Dr. Ansari was so kind. At one... point he told me to relax, we have time, when I was relaying my history of my condition. That helped ease my stress. I have seen 3 other neurologists and he was the only one who performed any assessment tests on my cognitive and physical skills. At one point I couldn't complete two assessments and got upset and cried. I was told, it's OK. That's why you're here. I was truly impressed, and super pleased with the whole experience!read more
Leslie Durham
Leslie Durham
15:05 01 Apr 22
I've been coming here for about 5 years. The staff are ALWAYS friendly and knowledgeable. The Doctors are the absolute... best!! Jodie Moore is always in such a great mood which is a plus when you are already stressed. Highly recommendedread more
Monica Del Bosque
Monica Del Bosque
14:13 25 Mar 22
Since my first post my thoughts have changed here. It's unfortunate. My doctor and PA were great, but the office staff... is horrible. They never call you back when they say they will, they misinform you, they cause you too much stress wondering what's going on, they don't keep you posted. They never answer the phone. At this point I've left four messages in the last week, and I have sent three messages. Twice from their portal and one direct email. No response. My appointment is on Monday morning at 8:30am, no confirmation on my insurance and what's going on. What the heck is going on, this is ridiculous!I've given up... the stress her office staff has put me through is just not worth it. You can do so much better, please clean house, either change out your office staff, or find a way for them to be more efficient please. You have to do something. This is not how you want to run your practice. It leaves a very bad impression on your business.read more
Ron Buckholz
Ron Buckholz
23:32 23 Mar 22
I was actually pleasantly surprised with this visit! It took me a long time to get the appointment scheduled because no... one answers your phones EVER! After a month, I finally got in, and your staff was warm, friendly, and I was totally impressed! I feel like you will take care of my needs!read more
Steve Nabavi
Steve Nabavi
16:28 16 Mar 22
It was a nice visit. Happy staff doing all they can do to comfort the patients in a very calming environment. You ask... me they are earned a big gold star on the fridge. My only complaint they didn't give me any cookies.read more
Katie Lewis
Katie Lewis
16:10 10 Feb 22
Had very positive appointments with Jodie and Dr. Sheth for my migraine care. Jodie was so fast with the injections and... has so much valuable info. I started to feel light headed during checkout and the staff was SO helpful—giving me a chair, water, and taking me into a private room until I felt better. Highly recommend this practice for migraine patients, they know what they’re doing!!read more
Joshua Martinez
Joshua Martinez
16:02 10 Dec 21
I was scheduled to be checked and just want to say that the staff was fantastic. They were kind and helpful. I was... asked many questions related to what was going on and not once did I feel as though I was being brushed off. The front desk staff was especially great in assisting me. I'm scheduled to go back for a mri and am glad that I'll be going there.read more
Isabel Ivy
Isabel Ivy
21:42 03 Nov 21
I had such a good experience with Lone Star Neurology, Brent my MRI Tech was so awesome and made sure I was very... comfortable during the appointment. He gave me ear plugs, a pillow, leg support and blanket, easiest MRI ever lol 🤣 My 72 hour EEG nurse Amanda was also so awesome. She made sure I was take care of over the 3 days and took her time with the electrodes to make sure it was comfortable for me! Paige was also a huge help in answering all my questions when it came to my test results, and letting me know her honest opinions about how I should go forth with my treatment.read more
Leslie Luce
Leslie Luce
17:37 20 Oct 21
The professionalism and want to help attitude of this office was present from the moment I contacted them. The follow... up and follow through as well as their willingness to find a way to schedule my dad was above and beyond. We visited two offices in the same day with the same experience. I am appreciative of this—we spend a lot of time with doctors and this was top notch start to finish.read more
robert Parker
robert Parker
16:38 16 Apr 21
I love going to this office. The staff is friendly and helpful. The doctor is great. I am getting the best... neurological tests and treatment I have ever had. The only reason I did not give them a 5 star rating is because it is impossible to reach a live person at the office to reschedule appointments. Every time I have tried to get through to the office it says all people are busy and I am sent to a voicemail. If they could get their phone answering fixed, I would give them a strong 5 stars.read more
MaryAnn Hornbaker
MaryAnn Hornbaker
00:26 25 Feb 21
Dr. Harney is an excellent Dr. I found him friendly , personable and thorough. I evidently am an unusual case. ... Therefore he spent a Hugh amount of time educating me. He even gave me literature to further explain my condition and how to follow up. This is something you rarely get from your doctors. So I am more than please with my doctor and his staff.read more
Roger Arguello
Roger Arguello
03:05 29 Jan 21
Always courteous, professional. The staff is very friendly and always work with you to find the best appointment time.... The care team has been great. Always taking the time to listen to your concerns and to find the best treatment.read more
Margaret Rowland
Margaret Rowland
01:12 27 Jan 21
I have been a patient at Lone Star Neurology for several years. Now both my adult daughters also are patients there. I... love Jodie. She is always so prompt whether it is a teleamed call are a visit in the office. She takes the time to explain everything to me and answers all my questions. I am so blessed to have Jodie as my doctor.read more
Susan Miller
Susan Miller
03:01 13 Jan 21
My husband had an accident 5 years ago and Lone Star Neurology has been such a blessing to us with my husbands care.... Jodie Moore is his provider and she is amazing! Jodie is very knowledgeable, caring, and thorough. She takes her time with you, making sure your needs are met and she is happy to answer any questions you may have. Lone Star Neurology’s patients are very lucky to have Jodie providing their care. Thank you Lone Star Neurology and especially Jodie for everything you have done for us. Jodie, you are the best!read more
Windalyn C
Windalyn C
01:32 09 Jan 21
Jodie is wonderful. She is very caring and knowledgeable. I have been to over a dozen neurologists, and none were able... to help me as much as they have here. Thanks!read more
Katie Kordel
Katie Kordel
00:40 09 Jan 21
Jodi Moore, nurse practitioner, is amazing. I have suffered from frequent, debilitating headaches for almost 20 years.... She has provided the best proactive and responsive care I have ever received. My quality of life has been greatly improved by her caring approach and tenacity in finding solutions.read more
Ellie Natsis
Ellie Natsis
15:41 07 Jan 21
I have had the best experience at this neurologist's office! For over a year I have been receiving iv treatments here... each month and my nurse, Bobbie is beyond wonderful!! She's so attentive, knowledgeable, caring, and detail oriented. She makes an otherwise uncomfortable experience much more pleasant and definitely puts me at ease! She also helps me with my insurance,ordering this specialty medication and dealing with the ordering process which is no easy feat.Needless to say, she goes above a beyond in every way and I'm so grateful to this office and to Bobbie for all they do for me!read more
Matt Morris
Matt Morris
15:39 07 Jan 21
Let me start by saying that I have been coming here for years. Due to my autoimmune disease, I am in this office... once every three weeks for multiple hours at a time. The office is very clean and the staff very friendly. My only complaint would be there communication via phone. They aren't the best at responding if you leave a voicemail and expect a call back. I understand that this is prob just due to the sheer number of alls they receive daily. What I can say I like the best about the office are the people. Bobby who handles my infusions is great. I never have any issues with her setting up my infusions. She is very quick to reply to messages sent via text and if she were to leave then my whole opinion of the office may change. I also enjoy people like Matt, Lauren, and Jodi. I appreciate all that they do for me and without this team I'm not sure I would be as happy as I am to visit the office as frequently as I have to. Please ensure that these folks are recognized as they are what makes my visit to this office so tolerable :).read more
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