A study published in the Journal of Neurology stated that interrelated cognitive, EEG, and MRI abnormalities were observed among COVID-19 survivors 2 months after discharge from the hospital. Some disturbances persisted for as long as 10 months.

In patients admitted to the emergency department (ED) with COVID-19, who underwent follow-up neuropsychological assessment and an EEG, over half of them had cognitive disturbances affecting memory and attention after 2 months of discharge.

After 10 months of follow-up, a significant improvement was seen in the cognitive impairment, but some cognitive deficits and disturbances in mood persisted in slightly more than one-third of the patients. A partial improvement was seen in the EEG findings, which showed a slowing of cortical activity.

The researchers also stated that more studies were needed to confirm whether these alterations were directly linked with the infection itself or with its related consequences and if these alterations could be completely reversible or were part of a neurodegenerative process.

EEG alterations could be a useful tool to assess early cerebral involvement in COVID-19. (Medscape, March 15, 2022)