Brainfog

Brainfog – or Fibrofog as it can also be known – is the variety of cognitive problems that can be experienced and is a type of mental exhaustion.  Short term memory loss, word mix-ups and confusion are very common, concentration can be seriously affected, and it can be very difficult to take in new information especially when distracted by other things.  

 

Another very random and quite frankly bizarre side effect is frequently saying the wrong words.  I’ve done it so many times in the past where I’ve just blurted out a word without thinking!

 

The real root of brain fog is unknown but it has been linked with sleep deprivation which inhibits the production of serotonin and stops the brain from processing events and memorising things. 

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The effects of chronic pain can also impact on the brain’s ability to create memories, as so much time is taken up with the brain processing pain signals.   

 

Brainfog can occur at any time and the intensity can fluctuate too.  It may be more severe if other symptoms flare up too.

 

I have personally found that some days it hurts to think (or I just can’t think full stop), and it’s almost painful to even try and process new information.  I start to get a headache and everything is fuzzy. 

 

It’s as if a haze descends over me and that’s when the memory issues become far more pronounced.  I can forget where I’ve put things, I have trouble remembering plans and I can’t think what I want to say.  It can be impossible to concentrate on anything or focus properly and I feel as though there’s a ‘wall’ in my head behind which lies all the information I need but I simply can’t breach it.  I forget words, names, places… the list goes on. 

 

It’s very important to stress, however, that brainfog in no way reflects the intellectual capacity of a person.  It doesn’t make you any less intelligent, nor are you stupid.  

 

Improving sleep patterns is probably one of the most important steps to relieving the severity and frequency of brainfog. Melatonin can be a helpful supplement, or your doctor could prescribe Zopiclone which can be taken occasionally to help sleep.  I found that supplements containing a B-vitamin complex helped, and supplements such as ginkgo Biloba or ginseng can also help improve cognitive function.