COVID-19 is fundamentally an infectious disease, which afflicts the upper respiratory tract, giving rise to symptoms such as dry cough, fever, sore throat and in more severe instances, breathing difficulty and chest pain. However, the causative organism – SARS-CoV-2 strain of coronavirus infests the other internal organs in the body too apart from the nasal tract, throat and lungs, with many corona positive patients experiencing heart complications, digestive disorders, gastrointestinal complaints, liver problems and even kidney failure.

In addition to this, another vital bodily element that is encumbered by COVID-19 infection is the brain. Doctors and healthcare experts all over the world attest to the fact that a significant fraction of patients with coronavirus infection complain about brain-related and mental health issues, besides the commonly occurring respiratory signs. While in most cases, these neurological signs develop alongside cough and fever, at times, they occur without any other typical COVID-19 symptoms. It is hence essential to know what the distinct brain-related indications of COVID-19 are and watch out for these neurological conditions which could possibly signal coronavirus infection.

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Signs Of Brain Function Decline That Indicate COVID-19:

Headache And Fatigue

The occurrence of constant headaches, along with extreme tiredness and body weakness could be due to COVID-19 and this happens in mild and severe cases of the disease. The SARS-CoV-2 strain of coronavirus triggers an inflammatory reaction throughout the system, which also afflicts some brain and nerve cells, thereby leading to unbearable aching in the head. Another frequently reported symptom of coronavirus infection is migraines and pain along the temples on either side of the forehead.

Also Read: Five Common Types Of Headaches: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Dizziness

As the coronavirus invades the numerous cells and tissues in the system, the bodily components are drained of their energy reservoirs, with the immune system having to continuously fight the infection and prevent it from damaging the organs. Furthermore, the inflammation prompted by COVID-19 also impairs the ear-brain signal coordination, leading to loss of balance, feeling faint and dizzy, spells of vertigo with exhaustion. While experiencing spinning sensations in the head, a persistent ringing in the ears known as tinnitus also occurs at times.

Brain Fog And Memory Loss

A fuzzy feeling in the brain that develops due to COVID-19, wherein partial memory loss, poor concentration, a decline in cognitive abilities also occur in tandem is termed as brain fog. Moreover, in times of illness such as coronavirus infection, the body is under a lot of stress, which invariably leads to depletion of energy and functionality of the brain. Also known as clouding of consciousness or mental fog, brain fog is linked with minor as well as grave instances of COVID-19.

Also Read: Brain Fog: Salient Facts About This Neurological Condition Afflicting COVID-19 Patients

Delirium

Delirium is a more intense form of brain fog, in which the affected individual has serious defects in their mental capabilities, leading to confusion and altered perception of reality, being entirely disconnected from their location and prevailing situation. When COVID-19 infection is quite severe owing to high viral load in the body, the nerve cells in the brain are hampered, resulting in disorientation, sluggish movement, slurred speech and mental decline, with the inability to perform normal day-to-day activities and requiring constant help and support.

Anxiety And Depression

COVID-19 affects not only the intellectual operations of the brain such as memory, focus, thinking, but impedes its emotional functions as well. People with even mild instances of coronavirus infection suffer from bouts of low moods, lack of interest in routine activities, erratic mood swings with high levels of nervousness, irritability and tension. This triggers anxiety and depression in those with COVID-19, with these psychological symptoms negatively influencing brain functions and sometimes lasting even after complete recovery, inducing PTSD i.e. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.