Brain Fog in Covid Might Be Due to Abnormally Fused Neurons: New Breakthrough
These fused neurons called syncytia fired as if they had a seizure, disrupting proper neuronal communication.
COVID-19’s persistent and bewildering symptom, ‘brain fog,’ has left victims with headaches, trouble focusing, and memory issues. These symptoms may persist for months, leading to the infamous long-COVID syndrome, a predicament researchers are working to understand.
Exciting new research demonstrates that the formation of ‘neuronal syncytia’ — large, multicellular structures caused by SARS-CoV-2, the COVID-19 virus— could be the culprit behind this neurological phenomenon. This discovery could shine a light on the complexities of this symptom and the virus’s broader impact on the nervous system.
SARS-CoV-2, like other viruses, incites cells to merge into a larger structure called syncytia, which may allow the virus to spread across an organ without infecting new cells individually. Notably, scientists had observed such syncytia formation in lung tissue of severe COVID-19 patients. Still, it wasn’t until now that its formation was noted in brain cells.
The breakthrough study was conducted by Massimo Hilliard, Ph.D., a professor of molecular and cellular…
