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Since COVID-19 appeared in the world, scientists have focused not only on the development of drugs and vaccines, but also on research on the impact of this virus on various organs and systems in the bodies of infected people.
One area that has become a focus of research is the impact of COVID-19 on the brain. Recent research provides fascinating information on this topic. In this article, we will look at the latest findings regarding brain changes after COVID-19.
Long Covid is still dangerous and still incurable
One of the main conclusions of the research is that Long COVID, i.e. long-term symptoms of COVID-19, may affect the structure and functioning of the brain. People suffering from Long COVID often experience neurological symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, difficulty concentrating and memory problems. Research has shown that these symptoms may be related to certain structural changes in the brain that are visible on MRI images.
New study of significant white matter
The researchers focused particularly on the brain’s white matter, which plays a key role in transmitting signals between different areas of the brain. Changes in this part of the brain can have serious consequences for cognitive and neurological functions. Research results indicate that some patients after COVID-19 have microscopic damage in the white matter, which may explain the neurological symptoms of Long COVID.
Diffusion magnetic resonance – what is the method?
To study changes in the brain after COVID-19, scientists are using a technique known as diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (DTI). It is an advanced imaging method that enables the assessment of the structure and organization of white matter fibers in the brain. DTI allows you to obtain images based on the scattering of water molecules in brain tissues. It is worth noting that this is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure that does not require the use of ionizing radiation.
What was the study like?
The study was conducted on a group of patients who had confirmed COVID-19 infection. Participants underwent DTI tests to identify possible changes in the structure of the white matter of the brain. Additionally, patients were assessed for Long COVID symptoms and the severity of these symptoms.
What were the results?
The research results were surprising. It turned out that some patients after COVID-19 had visible changes in the white matter of the brain. They differed significantly from healthy controls. Additionally, patients with greater severity of Long COVID symptoms had more visible brain changes in DTI studies. This suggests that there is a relationship between the severity of symptoms and damage to the white matter of the brain.
Your suggestions
Based on these results, there is a need for further research to understand the full extent of brain changes following COVID-19 and to develop more effective treatments for people suffering from Long COVID. It is also worth paying attention to the importance of vaccinations as a preventive tool in the fight against COVID-19 to avoid potential neurological complications.
Recommended articles
If you are interested in the impact of COVID-19 on the nervous system, we also recommend reading articles on neurological symptoms related to this disease and news in research on the treatment of Long COVID.
To sum up, research on changes in the brain after COVID-19 opens new perspectives in understanding the impact of this virus on our body. It is worth following developing research in this field and remembering the importance of protection against COVID-19 through vaccination and compliance with sanitary recommendations.