You’ve heard of the fight-or-flight reaction? That’s when your brains flashes “Danger! Danger!” and in response, it releases neurochemicals and hormones to help us stay safe. It’s also common during perimenopause and menopause (more on that below), as well as these three very common factors: StressĪs mentioned, a frazzled mind can mess with your cognitive function - though in some circumstances, stress is a positive thing, according to the American Institute of Stress. And brain fog is more common than many realize because it has so many causes.” What causes brain fog?Ī fuzzy brain can be caused by some medical issues, including COVID, concussion, chemotherapy and medication side effects. “It’s one of the most common indicators that the brain’s engines - its complex neural systems - aren’t working at normal capacity and efficiency. “Brain fog needs to be taken seriously,” says Dr. Your capacity for clarity, concentration, memory, speed and innovative thinking are all reduced.”īut even though it’s not a defined medical condition, that doesn’t mean it’s not important. “A person experiencing brain fog can still think and work – but the input is fuzzier and takes longer to process, and the output is not up to par. “Think of a foggy day when you can still see, but it’s like there’s a film over the horizon,” says Sandra Chapman, Ph.D., founder and director of the Center for Brain Health, and professor of behavioral and brain sciences at the University of Texas/Dallas. It’s the opposite of feeling sharp and in tune. It’s that feeling when you have a hard time focusing or remembering stuff (like that … whatever it was … you were going to bring to work). Brain fog is the name we use to describe a mushy, sluggish, fuzzy mind. What is brain fog?įirst, here’s what it’s not: a defined medical condition. We talked to some top-notch brain experts to get the low-down on brain fog, and strategies that may give you some relief. Brain fog, or difficulty thinking or concentrating, can be caused by many things, and can also be a symptom of long COVID. But stress is only one of the things that can lead to that fuzzy-mind feeling. This scenario - and c’mon, we’ve all been there - isn’t surprising, because one big cause of brain fog is stress, and there’s sure enough of that to go around these days, even just during those times when you’re running late. And now, it’s lost now in the mist of brain fog. A moment ago, whatever it was seemed important enough to stop you in your tracks. If you are interested in talking to other stroke survivors, or reading other stroke survivors’ experience, visit our online forum. You can also visit our support in your area page to find any local and online support groups.You’re late for work, and as you head out the door, you run back inside because you forgot your…… what? What the heck did you forget? You’ve got your phone, your keys, your laptop. If you want to read up on what you can do if you are feeling low visit our emotional changes webpage. Take a look at our communication problems webpage to find out more about treatments and practical tips which can help. For inspiration on how to do this go to our getting moving after a stroke webpage. You can find out more on what you can do on our memory problems webpage.įor some simple steps you can take to help manage your fatigue, go to our managing post-stroke fatigue section.īeing more active is known to help with your emotional and physical wellbeing, including fatigue. There are many tips and tricks to help you with memory and thinking problems including writing things down, using prompts, using reminders, keeping things in the same place, recording messages for yourself on your phone and planning your day. Find out more about the Stroke Association See all.Find out more ways to get involved See all.Find out more about the support we offer See all.
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