Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Nov 26, 2025 34 minutes ago
Medical News: A new investigation from researchers at the National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases at Griffith University in Australia has revealed striking abnormalities in brain tissue microstructure and neurochemical balance among people with long COVID and even among those who believe they have fully recovered. Using a multimodal MRI approach, the study found persistent biological disruptions in the brain that may explain long-term symptoms affecting memory, movement, and thinking. These findings were highlighted in this
Medical News report.
MRI scans reveal hidden microstructural and neurochemical disruptions lingering long after COVID-19 infection
Structural and Microstructural Disruptions in the Brain
According to the detailed MRI scans, long COVID patients showed unusually high T1w/T2w signals in the precentral gyrus and middle temporal gyrus, areas crucial for motor control and cognitive functions. These elevated signals suggest alterations in myelin, the protective layer around nerve fibers. Instead of the myelin loss previously reported in early COVID-19 autopsy studies, the new data point to possible remyelination or inflammation occurring months after infection. Long COVID participants also showed reduced mean diffusivity in deep brain regions, an indicator of microstructural change that often reflects restricted movement of water molecules in damaged or reorganizing tissue.
Hidden Brain Changes Even After Recovery
One of the most surprising outcomes of the study was the presence of abnormal findings in people who had recovered from COVID-19 without lingering symptoms. These individuals displayed increased myelin-related signals in the brainstem, precentral gyrus, and posterior cingulate cortex. Since these areas are involved in memory, coordination, attention, and emotional stability, the results suggest that COVID-19 may quietly alter brain structure even in those who feel normal after recovery. This raises concerns about silent long-term effects that might emerge later in life.
Neurochemical Imbalances Linked to Symptoms
Using magnetic resonance spectroscopy, the researchers also detected significant neurochemical changes. Long COVID patients showed reduced glutamine levels, consistent with metabolic strain and immune-related depletion. At the same time, they exhibited elevated N-acetyl-aspartate, a chemical often linked to altered cellular metabolism under stress. The study also showed clear relationships between these chemical shifts and real-world symptoms. Lower myelin-related signals in the midbrain were associated with worse cognitive performance, while changes in the middle temporal area correlated with lower physical functioning scores.
What the Findings Reveal
This research offers strong evidence that COVID-19 can lead to lasting biological changes in the brain affecting brain tissue microstructure and neurochemical stability. These abnormalities were seen not only in long COVID patients but also in people who had apparently recovered. The findings imply that
the virus may leave a lasting footprint on the nervous system, potentially shaping long-term cognitive and physical health. Continued monitoring, early neurological assessment, and long-term studies will be essential to determine whether these brain changes heal, persist, or progress over the years.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Brain Behavior and Immunity Health.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666354625002005
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Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/long-covid
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/coronavirus
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