Hidden Brain Changes in COVID-19 and ME/CFS: Why MRI Matters

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Neural alterations in viral pneumonia patients comorbid with insomnia in a Chinese population: Insight from surface-based morphometry analysis 
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165032726008785

Using advanced MRI-based surface morphometry, researchers identified structural changes in several cortical regions, particularly thinning of the left superior temporal gyrus (STG) in patients who also experienced insomnia. 

Because the STG is involved in auditory processing, language, memory, and social cognition, these findings may help explain some of the persistent neurological and cognitive symptoms reported after COVID-19 infection. The study also found that greater cortical thickness and volume were associated with better cognitive and neuropsychiatric outcomes, suggesting that brain structure may play an important role in recovery and long-term prognosis. 

Omicron-related infection may cause brain changes, and thinning of the left STG could serve as a potential marker for insomnia-related brain effects after infection. These findings may help improve the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of post-viral neurological and psychiatric symptoms.

An important open question is whether these brain changes are temporary and reversible or represent permanent effects.

People with ME/CFS frequently report symptoms that overlap with those observed after viral infections, including insomnia, cognitive impairment, and difficulties with short-term auditory memory, such as processing and retaining sounds and spoken language.

What is the Superior Temporal Gyrus (STG)?

In neuroscience, the superior temporal gyrus (STG) is a major brain region involved in auditory processing, speech and language comprehension, social cognition, and the integration of sensory information. 

It contains important structures, including the primary auditory cortex, and contributes to short-term auditory sensory memory, helping the brain process and retain sounds and spoken language.A new neuroimaging study from China provides evidence that viral pneumonia during the Omicron wave may leave measurable effects on the brain. 

The STG plays a central role in interpreting speech, recognizing vocal and non-verbal social cues, and integrating information from multiple senses to support communication and interaction with the environment.

Research also suggests that the STG is involved in emotional and trauma-related processing. In individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the STG may contribute to intrusive auditory memories and is functionally connected to the amygdala, a brain structure critical for emotional processing. Some studies have reported increased cortical thickness and heightened activity in the right STG among PTSD patients, highlighting its potential role in the neural mechanisms underlying trauma-related symptoms.

Reference:  

Superior Temporal Gyrus: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/superior-temporal-gyrus

© 2000-2030 Sieglinde W. Alexander. All writings by Sieglinde W. Alexander have a five-year copyright. Library of Congress Card Number: LCN 00-192742 ISBN: 0-9703195-0-9   

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