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BMC Neurology

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Open Access 01-12-2024 | COVID-19 | Research

Cognitive function and quantitative electroencephalogram analysis in subjects recovered from COVID-19 infection

Authors: Manal M. Gaber, Hanan Hosny, Mona Hussein, Mona A. Ashmawy, Rehab Magdy

Published in: BMC Neurology | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

Background & Objectives

Objective assessment of post-COVID-19 cognitive dysfunction is highly warranted. This study aimed to evaluate the cognitive dysfunction of COVID-19 survivors with cognitive complaints, both clinically and neurophysiologically, using Quantitative Electroencephalogram (QEEG).

Methods

This case–control study was conducted on 50 recovered subjects from COVID-19 infection with cognitive complaints and 50 age, sex, and educational-matched healthy controls. Both groups were subjected to the following neurocognitive tests: Paired associate learning Test (PALT) and Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT). The neurophysiological assessment was also done for both groups using QEEG.

Results

COVID-19 survivors had significantly lower PALT scores than controls (P < 0.001). QEEG analysis found significantly higher levels of Theta / Beta ratio in both central and parietal areas in patients than in the controls (P < 0.001 for each). The interhemispheric coherence for the frontal, central, and parietal regions was also significantly lower in patients than in the control group regarding alpha and beta bands. There were statistically significant lower scores of PALT and PASAT among cases with severe COVID-19 infection (P = 0.011, 0.005, respectively) and those who needed oxygen support (P = 0.04, 0.01, respectively). On the other hand, a statistically significantly lower mean of frontal alpha inter-hemispheric coherence among patients with severe COVID-19 infection (P = 0.01) and those needing mechanical ventilation support (P = 0.04).

Conclusion

Episodic memory deficit is evident in COVID-19 survivors with subjective cognitive complaints accompanied by lower inter-hemispheric coherence in frontal regions. These clinical and neurophysiological changes are associated with hypoxia and COVID-19 severity.

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Title: Cognitive function and quantitative electroencephalogram analysis in subjects recovered from COVID-19 infection
Authors: Manal M. Gaber
Hanan Hosny
Mona Hussein
Mona A. Ashmawy
Rehab Magdy
Publication date: 01-12-2024
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: COVID-19
Post-COVID Syndrome
Published in: BMC Neurology / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2377
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-023-03518-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Cognitive function and quantitative electroencephalogram analysis in subjects recovered from COVID-19 infection

Abstract

Background & Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background & Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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