Brain Fog is also known as brain fatigue. Brain Fog is not a medical disease it a combination of symptoms that affect a person’s ability to think properly. People who have brain fog will feel confused or disorganised. The affected person will find it hard to focus or put the thoughts into words. If underlying causes of Brain Fog are not addressed, then it can negatively affect one’s professional and personal life.
Common Causes of Brain Fog are
- Brain Fog during Pregnancy
This is a condition in which a pregnant woman finds it harder to remember things. When carrying the body undergoes lot of changes at hormonal and physical levels, many chemicals are also released to protect and nourish the baby and hence the memory problems.
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
The body of a person suffering from MS undergoes many problems with the central nervous system and this will change the way the brain communicates with the rest of the body. People with MS have issues with memory, attention, planning or language and some sort of memory exercises can help.
- Medicines
Some over the counter and prescribe medicines can cause brain fog. If you are not sure about the after effects of a medicine consult your doctor rather than continuing with it since it will sometimes cause brain fog and other related problems.
- Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy for cancer results in the use of strong medications which will cause a condition called ‘chemo brain’ similar to brain fog. A patient undergoing chemotherapy will have difficulty in remembering names, dates or in multi-tasking.
- Menopause
Women go through this phase in life and many of them show signs of brain fog. There are many hormonal and body changes that brings about a lack of memory and physical discomfort. Hormone supplements and medications can help treat this condition.
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
When a patient is affected with this condition then the body and mind will feel tired continuously. The person may feel confused, forgetful and unable to focus. There is no particular cure for the condition but medication, exercise and counselling can help.
- Lack of Sleep
When there is enough of sleep then the brain works at its optimum level. When you lack in sleep the brain will feel foggy. A daily rest of 7 to 8 hours is recommended to keep the brain working at its best. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime. Following this will help wake up refreshed and at the same day daily.
- Glucose
Since glucose is primary source of energy to brain, fluctuating glucose in blood can cause short term brain fatigue symptoms.