Have you heard of COVID brain? Preliminary research has begun to show that COVID-19 can impact the brain in a variety of ways. While scientists are unsure how the virus attacks the brain and nervous system, it is clear that the COVID virus can infiltrate the brain and starve brain cells of oxygen. Additionally, it can impact the immune system protects the brain from inflammation. Neurological and mental health problems such as “…delirium, depression, headaches, brain inflammation, brain bleeds, clots, nerve damage, meningitis…[and] psychosis” can result (Gupta, 2020, para. 10). Additionally, abnormal brain scans have been found in patients after they contracted severe cases of COVID-19 (Kremer et al., 2020). COVID-19 has been suggested to exacerbate rumination, anhedonia (a failure to experience pleasure), and our ability to detect threats in our environment (Hagerty & Williams, 2020).
If you’re suffering from these problems due to COVID-19, how can you get better? There are some ways to improve our brain.
1. Remain connected to your social support even if it’s virtually.
2. Eat foods that lower inflammation.
3. Exercise! Exercise! Exercise!
4. Make sure to get a good’s night sleep and practice good sleep hygiene.
5. Find a biofeedback therapist! They can help tune up your brain and nervous system!
Call today if you’d like to try biofeedback!
References
Gupta, S. (2020, December 8). How coronavirus affects the brain. AARP. Retrieved from https://www.aarp.org/health/brain-health/info-2020/brain-health-risks-covid19.html
Hagerty, S. L., & Williams, L. M. (2020). The impact of COVID-19 on mental health: The interactive roles of brain biotypes and human connection. Brain, Behavior, & Immunity – Health, 5. doi:10.16/j.bbih.2020.100078
Kremer, S., Lersy, F., de Seze, J., Ferre, J-C., Maamar, A., Carsin-Nicol, B., … & Krainik, A. (2020). Brain MRI findings in severe COVID-19: A retrospective observational study. Radiology, 297, E242-E251. doi:10.1148/radiol.202020222