While COVID-19 was initially considered a respiratory disease affecting the lungs, it was later found that it can damage other vital organs including the heart, kidney, and brain. Several cases of neurological and psychiatric damage have been reported in COVID-19 patients across the world. This article explores the mechanism of action of the Coronavirus on the human brain.

How Does Coronavirus Affect the Brain?

• The SARS-CoV-2 virus uses ACE receptors to make an entry into the human body. Since the brain contains ACE-receptors, it may allow entry of the virus.
• The hyperactivity of the immune system as a response to COVID-19 infection can lead to excess inflammation and cause damage to the brain.
• Viral infection also increases the risk of abnormal blood clotting in the brain, which can result in a stroke. 

Recommended read: Brain Aneurysm: How is It Different From a Stroke?

Brain Conditions That Can Result from COVID-19 Infection

• Brain bleed: As soon as the virus enters the brain, it weakens the blood vessels (arteries and veins), making them more prone to leakage. The viral infection may also cause these blood vessels to break, resulting in bleeding in the brain, which has proven to be life-threatening for many COVID-19 patients.
• Stroke: The abnormal blood clots in the body of COVID-19 patients can enter and block the arteries of the brain, resulting in a stroke.
• Hypoxic brain injury: COVID-19 infection compromises the body’s oxygen levels (hypoxia), resulting in permanent damage to the brain cells. Hypoxic brain injury can even result in brain death and coma.

Recommended read: How does the Coronavirus Impact Our Nervous System?

Signs of Brain Damage Caused by COVID-19 Infection

Some signs and symptoms that may indicate brain damage during or after COVID-19 include:

• Headache
• Behavioral changes such as increased agitation and irritation
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Loss of taste and smell
• Difficulty in concentrating and remembering things
• Seizures (fits)
• Stroke
• Paralysis

The presence of these symptoms, however, does not conclude brain damage as the doctors would perform further tests such as an MRI, electroencephalograms (EEGs), and spinal tap (taking samples of fluid from the spinal cord) to confirm the diagnosis.

Furthermore, people who suffered from severe COVID-19 infection also reported experiencing anxiety, depression, and hallucinations after a prolonged stay at the hospital.

Recommended read: What Are the Less Common and Unusual Symptoms of Coronavirus?

Conclusion

Scientists believe that brain damage following COVID-19 infection could either be due to the virus or the inflammation that occurs in response to the virus. Since there is no certain way to prevent the virus from attacking the brain, doctors advise people to follow COVID-appropriate behavior such as washing hands frequently, wearing masks, maintaining social distance, and getting vaccinated.

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