“Brain Fog”: Causes and Remedies for Brain Fog

Brain fog is a condition of impaired cognitive performance. It can express itself in many symptoms, through which those affected perceive everything “as if in a fog”. You can find out more about causes and treatment here.

Some days we are particularly distracted and find it difficult to concentrate. For example, if you have slept badly or are very worried about something, it can also make it difficult to put your thoughts into clear words.

However, if this takes over, it could be a sign of impaired cognitive performance, also known as “brain fog.” Doctors understand this to mean a condition that makes it difficult for those affected to think clearly.

Brain fog, originally “Brain Fog”, can manifest itself through various symptoms and itself be a symptom of various brain dysfunctions. Here you can find out what causes the fog in your head and what countermeasures you can take.

What is brain fog?

Brain fog is not a disease in itself, but a symptom of other diseases. It can be traced back to various brain dysfunctions that can manifest themselves in a variety of mental impairments.

Brain fog can be accompanied by the following symptoms:

• lack of concentration
• orientation difficulties
• word-finding disorders
• sudden forgetfulness
• mental exhaustion
• listlessness

Because the symptoms of brain fog are also characteristic of other disorders, there are still no specific criteria by which to diagnose the condition itself. Therefore, the diagnosis (of the underlying disease) is usually carried out in several steps through various examinations and tests, first in the general practitioner’s practice and then, if necessary, also by neurological specialists.

Causes of Brain Fog

There is no one cause of brain fog. Rather, the fog in the head can occur both as a result of an unhealthy lifestyle that is associated with mental stress and in connection with mental and physical illnesses.

The causes can be varied.

Way of life:

• stress
• sleep deprivation
• Diet (lack of vitamin B12 or eating certain foods you are allergic to, such as peanuts or dairy)
• dehydration
• alcohol and drug abuse

Physical/Medical:

• Hormonal changes, for example during pregnancy
• medication
• Chemotherapy for cancer (“chemo brain”)
• anemia
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• diabetes
• migraine
• Alzheimer
• Autoimmune diseases (multiple sclerosis, arthritis, etc.)
• Viral infections, such as Sars-Cov-2 infection

Mentally:

• Fear
• depression
• stress

With so many possible causes, it’s not always easy to figure out why an affected person is suffering from brain fog. This can further increase the already high level of suffering. according to dr Claudia Stichtmann, specialist in neurology at the Oberberg Kliniken, says it is important to clarify the causes so that the symptoms can be better classified and their treatment tackled.

This is how brain fog is treated

Just as the causes of brain fog vary from case to case, treatment can also vary. There is no specific medication for this condition, so the underlying medical conditions or other causes are treated:

• If the fog in your head is due to anemia, for example, you can take iron supplements with your doctor.
• If the brain fog can be traced back to an autoimmune disease, your doctor can recommend a suitable medication.
• In the case of an underlying depression, in addition to medication, therapy (not only) against the brain fog can help.

Since the development of brain fog can also be related to an unhealthy lifestyle, you can relieve the symptoms yourself with accompanying measures:

• balanced and nutritious diet
• adequate fluid intake
• abstinence from alcohol
• active lifestyle
• enough sleep
• coping with stress

Depending on the severity of the symptoms and the underlying diseases, the treatment of a brain fog can take weeks to years.

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