Brain fog is not a medical condition, but it is a symptom that can affect the lives of many. This is mainly caused due to stress, sleep changes, medications, and many other factors. This results in lack of focus, memory issues, and confusion.
About Brain Fog
In this condition, a person can have a cognitive dysfunction like
- Memory loss
- Lacks mental clarity
- Unable to concentrate
- Lack of focus
It is a kind of mental fatigue caused due to stress and can affect your day-to-day life. However, there is nothing to worry about as it can be treated well. At South Valley Neurology they provide you with the best neurological care. It is a community-based multi-specialty neurology practice. They have board-certified neurologists, who have studied in the best medical colleges.
Causes
The various reasons why brain fog happens include:
- Stress: This is one reason that causes mental fatigue. It increases your blood pressure, weakens your immune system, and increases depression. When your brain gets tired, it becomes difficult to think, reason, or even focus.
- Lack of sleep: Every person required 8 to 9 hours of sleep. Poor-quality sleep can affect your brain to function. This could lead to cloudy thoughts and cause poor concentration.
- Hormonal changes: Many times, hormonal changes could also lead to brain fog. During pregnancy, your progesterone and estrogen levels increase leading to memory and short-term cognitive impairment. Also, during menopause, many women undergo forgetfulness and poor concentration.
- Diet: Vitamin B12 is very important for your brain to function well. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can cause brain fog. Also, if you are sensitive or allergic to certain foods, if eaten can trigger brain fog symptoms.
- Medications: Brain fog is also a side effect of certain medications. In such cases, lowering your dose or switching to another, medication can improve symptoms.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions like inflammation, fatigue, or an increase in the blood sugar level can lead to mental tiredness.
Other than this, the following medical conditions can also cause brain fog:
- Anemia
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Migraine
- Hypothyroidism
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Sjogren syndrome
- Viral infections
- Autoimmune diseases like arthritis, multiple sclerosis
- Dehydration
Diagnosis:
The doctor will examine you physically. He will check for your mental health, diet, and any physical activity. Also, ask about your medications and if anything going on.
A blood test might also help to identify the cause of this trigger. Further, they might also conduct x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computerized tomography (CT) scans.
Treatment
The treatment will depend on the cause of this trigger.
For example, if you are anemic and you got brain fog then taking iron supplements can reduce brain fog. In case of autoimmune diseases, your doctor will prescribe a corticosteroid or medicines that can suppress the immune system.
The best way is to maintain a healthy diet, take enough rest and sleep and switch medications in case of any problems.
The best home remedies for this brain fog include:
- Get enough sleep for about 8 to 9 hours
- Keep your stress level low.
- Exercise
- Strengthening your thinking ability
- Enjoy doing activities
- Increase nutrition by eating foods rich in proteins, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats.
Never ignore your symptoms and get them treated immediately.
