How to treat brain fog: symptoms and when to see a doctor

What does brain fog feel like? 3 symptoms of brain fog

Despite the fact that brain fog can take many different forms, it often manifests as a variety of symptoms that affect cognitive function. It's important to recognize the symptoms of brain fog, often called mental fog, so that solutions can be found if something doesn't seem right.

Learn more about this health problem using the list of brain fog symptoms below:

1.      1.  Blurring of awareness: The "fog" element in "brain fog" is best described as a clouding of consciousness. Feelings of cloudiness and fogginess can make you feel less alert and awake than usual, and you may have difficulty concentrating. This symptom may result in you forgetting your keys at home or making a spelling mistake that you would normally recognize.

2.       2. Fatigue: A persistent feeling of mental exhaustion is called fatigue. Mental fatigue is a general lack of physical and mental energy that persists even after you go to bed early and have had a good night's sleep, as opposed to the lethargy that results from a night of no sleep or a brief episode of insomnia. It may be difficult to find enough energy to carry out daily duties. Apathy or mild sadness may also set in, making you focus more on getting things done throughout the day than on discussions and work results.

3.     3.   Confusion: Everyone gets distracted sometimes, but if you often lose the direction of your thoughts or forget what you're doing, you may be suffering from confusion, which is a sign of brain fog. You may have trouble managing your time, your words may be slurred, or you may feel confused. Brain fog under pressure, such as losing your place in a business presentation or struggling to find the right words during a job interview, can cause confusion and be a source of stress.

You should not attempt to self-diagnose cognitive brain fog, even though this list may help you recognize its symptoms. Keep in mind that the best person to consult for guidance on persistent symptoms is a licensed medical specialist. The best person to assist is a healthcare practitioner because brain fog can sometimes be caused by an underlying medical illness.

Causes of brain fog

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the term “brain fog” entered the media and the lexicon of many individuals. This was because a 2023 report from the American Medical Association revealed a link between long COVID and less-than-ideal cognitive function.

Other underlying medical issues and/or lifestyle decisions may also contribute to foggy head. Some common causes of brain fog include the following:

1.Chronic stress: Stress is the body's response to harmful pressures, both internal and external. If you're feeling overwhelmed, exhausted or irritable during a deadline, you're probably dealing with short-term stress. On the other hand, persistent stress can have long-term negative effects on the body, such as gastrointestinal problems, muscle tension and irritability. The list also includes fatigue, memory loss and lack of focus, which suggests that chronic stress may be causing your brain fog.

 

2. Sleep deprivation: If you don't get enough sleep, your body and mind can suffer long-term consequences. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), sleep deprivation is linked to depression, high blood pressure, and kidney disease. According to the same article, sleep deprivation causes drowsiness and difficulty concentrating, which can result in brain fog.

3. Diet: Eating well helps improve physical and mental health. For example, a review in the journal Nutrients states that vitamin B, which is found in abundance in meat, dairy and eggs, improves brain function. Other nutritious foods such as leafy greens, almonds and tomatoes contain anti-inflammatory vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for attention and concentration. Mental fogginess can be caused by a lack of specific nutrients in the diet.

 

1.      4.  Medication: According to Harvard Health, many pain relievers and sleep medications can make you feel intellectually dull. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggest that older individuals may be more vulnerable to medication side effects, such as confusion and memory loss. Many of the brain's cognitive processes depend on the neurochemical acetylcholine, which can be disrupted by a class of drugs called anticholinergics.

2.    5.    Chemotherapy: Often referred to as "chemo brain," brain fog can also result from receiving chemotherapy for cancer. According to Stanford Medicine, chemotherapy can damage brain cells, which can change the way the brain works.