Brain Fog

What is brain fog?

Brain fog isn’t a medical condition, but it can be a symptom of a potentially serious issue. It’s a type of cognitive dysfunction characterized by memory problems, poor concentration, or the inability to focus. 

Brain fog affects everyone differently. For some, it’s severe and makes it difficult to work or go to school. For others, symptoms are mild and resolve over time. 

What are some common causes of brain fog?

Brain fog occurs for various reasons. The team at South Valley Neurology regularly treats people experiencing brain fog due to:

Lack of sleep

If you aren’t able to get the recommended 8-9 hours of sleep each night, your brain doesn’t function as well. What’s more, a lack of sleep increases the risk of poor concentration and clouded thoughts.

Certain medications

If your brain fog started after you began taking a prescription medication, the drug may be to blame. The team at South Valley Neurology can lower your dose or recommend similar medicines that help ease your symptoms.

Underlying medical conditions

Often, brain fog points to an underlying medical condition. Some of the most common causes of brain fog include fibromyalgia, diabetes, depression, hypothyroidism, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s disease.

How is brain fog diagnosed?

There’s not a single test that can diagnose brain fog. Instead, your South Valley Neurology provider conducts a physical and neurological exam. During the appointment, your provider asks questions about your diet, mental health, and level of physical activity. They also ask about the medications and supplements you regularly take.

If an exam and questionnaire aren’t enough to make a diagnosis, your provider might also order blood work. A blood test can detect issues like:

• High blood sugar
• Poor liver, kidney, or thyroid function
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Infection
• Inflammatory diseases

Your provider may also request other diagnostic tests, such as a CT scan, MRI, or an electroencephalogram (EEG). Once your provider determines the underlying cause of your symptoms, they develop a custom treatment plan that improves your quality of life.

How is brain fog treated?

Most of the time, brain fog responds to healthy lifestyle changes like eating a nutritious diet, getting plenty of sleep, and exercising regularly. If your brain fog is due to an underlying health issue or a nutritional deficiency, your provider can recommend prescription medication or supplements.

To learn more about the various treatment options for brain fog, contact South Valley Neurology by calling the nearest office today.