What Is “brain Fog” (and When Is It Serious?)
The term “brain fog” can mean many different things, from afternoon drowsiness after a bad night’s sleep to short-term memory loss associated with dementia. Generally speaking, brain fog can consist of memory problems, an inability to focus, or a lack of mental clarity . Although brain fog is not a formal disease, these symptoms can be a sign that something is going on.
Major Medical Issues That Can Cause Brain Fog
There are a number of different medical conditions that can cause fog in the head. One of the main causes could be inflammatory conditions affecting the brain, such as a recent COVID-19 infection or an autoimmune disease.
“When the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord, is affected, it can lead to symptoms such as brain fog ,” said Carlos Perez , a neurologist at Baylor College of Medicine.
Metabolic issues such as thyroid disease can also lead to brain fog, and certain medications can also be culprits. Brain fog is especially common in people undergoing chemotherapy, to the point where it has its own name: “chemical brain.”
Another reason may be hormonal changes, including during pregnancy and menopause. “Maybe this brain fog is caused by a change in hormone levels,” said Louise McCullough , a neurologist at UTHealth’s McGovern School of Medicine, noting that it’s not that important due to the self-limiting nature of pregnancy and menopause, which will end sooner or later (even if completely I do not want).
Timing of symptoms may vary
The time frame in which brain fog develops can be helpful information for your doctor, as it can help them determine what might be the possible cause. With something like a stroke, the onset will be very rapid, developing within minutes or hours.
For other conditions, such as post-viral complications from COVID-19 infection, onset will occur within days or weeks. In progressive neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, these symptoms develop very slowly, over months or years.
When to See a Doctor
If your brain fog is starting to affect your quality of life, your ability to do your job or lead a normal daily life, it’s time to see a doctor.
“If it progresses or lasts for a very long time, if it starts to interfere with your daily life or work, you need to see a doctor because there are a lot of things that could potentially be wrong,” McCullough said. .
Another warning sign is if it comes on very suddenly or persists for a while with no apparent reason. As Perez advises, it’s also important to let your doctor know about any other symptoms you may be experiencing. For example, if the brain fog is neurological in origin, additional symptoms may include weakness, numbness, changes in your vision, or balance problems.
Whatever happens, the first thing to do is to visit your doctor to get a physical examination and a blood test. Depending on your other symptoms and your medical history, they may suggest additional specialists.