A recent study conducted by scientists at Cambridge University using powerful MRI scans has unveiled potential brainstem damage linked to long Covid symptoms. The researchers utilised ultra high-resolution scanners, known as 7-Tesla or 7T scanners, to examine patients who had been hospitalised with Covid-19, revealing “long-lasting brain changes” believed to be triggered by an immune response to the virus.
The study indicated that while most individuals recover from Covid-19 within a few weeks, some experience lingering symptoms which can include extreme fatigue, breathlessness, brain fog, dizziness, heart palpitations, and muscle aches. Dr Catarina Rua from the University of Cambridge mentioned that the brainstem plays a crucial role in vital bodily functions, but due to its tiny size and location, it has been challenging to scan for inflammation in living individuals until now.
By scanning the brains of 30 Covid-19 patients who were hospitalised during the pandemic and comparing the results with 51 individuals with no history of infection, the researchers observed abnormalities in multiple brainstem regions responsible for regulating bodily functions and breathing control. The abnormalities were associated with a neuroinflammatory response and were more prominent in patients with severe Covid-19, longer hospital stays, and worse functional outcomes.
Professor James Rowe, co-lead of the study, highlighted the connection between mental health and brain health, noting that patients with a significant immune response also exhibited higher levels of depression and anxiety. The findings, published in the journal Brain, provide insights into how the brainstem responds to Covid-19 infection, potentially aiding in more effective long Covid treatments.
The researchers emphasised that the 7T scanners were instrumental in detecting immune cell behaviours and understanding the brainstem changes following Covid-19. This new knowledge could lead to improved explanations and treatments for the long-term effects of Covid-19. The study received support from various institutions, including the NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre and the University of Oxford COVID Medical Sciences Division Rapid Response Fund.