Ultra-powered MRI scans show damage to brain’s ‘control centre’ [brainstem] is behind long-lasting Covid-19 symptoms (Brain, Rue - Oct. 7, 2024)

[Mary]

https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news...ontrol-centre-is-behind-long-lasting-covid-19

https://academic.oup.com/brain/advance-article/doi/10.1093/brain/awae215/7811070

This study contributes to understanding the long-term effects of COVID-19 and recovery. Using non-invasive ultra-high field 7 T MRI, we show evidence of brainstem pathophysiological changes associated with inflammatory processes in post-hospitalized COVID-19 survivors.

 

[Wishful]

Interesting that there are long-term changes in the affected cells. I'm imagining the cells loading up with special tools, workbenches, etc, to deal with the infection, and there's no clean-up squad that whisks it all away when it's no longer needed. It could be a separate long-term immune response evolved to provide superior protection against future infections of that type. If so, it could be an obsolete mechanism that's still hanging around, now causing more problems than benefits. It could have been the main mechanism for our early multicellular ancestors, mainly replaced by the antibody system.

Most of us are familiar with the problems that occur when we allow our workspaces to become cluttered.

 

[Mary]

I wonder if something similar is going on with ME/CFS:

brainstem pathophysiological changes associated with inflammatory processes

 

[andyguitar]

I wonder if something similar is going on with ME/CFS:

Pretty easy to find out using this type of MRI scan. Quite i bit to go through in this research paper but what stands out for me is what it says in Para 6 of the Discussion section....."COVID-19 appears to drive a post viral, long lasting, hyper activation of the immune system within the brainstem, impairing certain autonomic functions." Which I take to mean that the immune system activation and subsequent inflammation in what is a very, very small area of the brain is causing the symptoms. If correct then this could be treated.

 

[cfs since 1998]

A number of us, myself included, have reported brainstem pain, particularly when taking antivirals. I don't believe the brainstem actually has nerves that can detect pain, but it could be inflammation in the area causing it.

Anyone know if they used contrast dye for these scans?

 

[Mary]

Anyone know if they used contrast dye for these scans?

I have no idea. However, if you write to the study's authors, one of them might tell you something. I did write to a study author once and was very surprised to receive a rather quick response!

 

[andyguitar]

Anyone know if they used contrast dye for these scans?

I did'nt see any mention about that in the paper.

 

[Violeta]

Brainstem inflammation.

Anyone whose brain is working today know if this is the only place that inflammation was found?

Any remedies?

AI Overview

Ginseng may have anti-inflammatory properties and could be a potential treatment for brainstem inflammation:

• Anti-inflammatory properties: Ginseng may help with neuroinflammation by suppressing microglia activation, which decreases inflammatory cytokines and factors. Ginseng may also help with oxidative stress and prevent neuronal death.

Exploring the immune-modulating properties of boswellic acid in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis​

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/apm.13406?af=R

 

[Alvin2]

What i find interesting is that a 7T MRI is needed to find this.
This is not a common machine in my experience and MRIs at lower power presumably come out normal.

 

[andyguitar]

Anyone whose brain is working today know if this is the only place that inflammation was found?

Seems to be the only place yes.

Any remedies?

No treatments mentioned in the research paper. But there are treatments for this which depend on what is causing the inflammation. Anti virals for a viral infection, steroids to damp down an over reaction of the immune system and monoclonal antibodies for autoimmune encephalitis. Anti inflammatories might be a help-it really all depends on what is causing the inflammation. Some herbs could be useful.

 

[Wishful]

What i find interesting is that a 7T MRI is needed to find this.

Well, looking at an infected wound by eye won't reveal microbes. I'm not sure whether a typical optical microscope will identify viruses, or if you need an electron microscope. New technologies for observation provide the possibility of new discoveries.

 

[Alvin2]

Well, looking at an infected wound by eye won't reveal microbes. I'm not sure whether a typical optical microscope will identify viruses, or if you need an electron microscope. New technologies for observation provide the possibility of new discoveries.

I agree, it just means that we need to find these rare high powered MRIs. I have had 4 MRIs so far, all 1.5T.
I am not sure if they even exist in my province.

 

[andyguitar]

we need to find these rare high powered MRIs. I have had 4 MRIs so far, all 1.5T.
I am not sure if they even exist in my province.

Not many around, but McGill University Montreal Nuro Institute and Hospital has one. So does Brigham and Womans Hospital in the USA, which has a department that studies me/cfs. Thats a bit of luck!

 

[andyguitar]

Not many around, but McGill University Montreal Nuro Institute and Hospital has one. So does Brigham and Womans Hospital in the USA, which has a department that studies me/cfs. Thats a bit of luck!

Just found out that Brigham and Womans Hospital are going to be using their 7-T MRI scanner for Long Covid research!!. Bit about it here.......