EEG Findings in Coronavirus Disease

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Neurophysiology

Background:

• Neurologic manifestations, including encephalopathy and seizures, are recognized complications of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
• Detailed electroencephalogram (EEG) findings in COVID-19 patients remain underreported, highlighting a gap in current medical literature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report detailed electroencephalogram (EEG) findings in patients diagnosed with coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
• To contribute to the limited body of evidence on the neurophysiological impact of COVID-19.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of eight patients with confirmed COVID-19 who underwent EEG monitoring.
• EEG data were analyzed for background activity, epileptiform discharges, and seizure activity.

Main Results:

• Generalized background slowing was observed in all eight patients.
• Three patients exhibited generalized epileptiform discharges with triphasic morphology.
• One patient with a history of epilepsy and another without experienced focal electrographic seizures.
• Five of eight patients had pre-existing epilepsy, suggesting a potential risk factor for neurological complications.
• Five of eight patients experienced a fatal outcome.

Conclusions:

• Neurologic manifestations are frequent in severe COVID-19 cases.
• Patients with COVID-19 and epilepsy may be at higher risk for neurological complications and abnormal EEG findings.