Brain Fog: A Symptom, Not a Diagnosis
KAYLE SANDBERG-LEWIS
BCN Fellow, M.A., LMT
So many people are complaining about brain fog lately but what is it?
Previously, I wrote a series of blogs about the alarm system in our brains. To recap, the autonomic nervous system, which is housed in the brainstem, evolved into two branches - the parasympathetic nervous system and the sympathetic nervous system. Parasympathetic is also known as “rest and digest” while the sympathetic is known as “fight or flight”. The sympathetic system is supposed to be employed intermittently, to escape predators, while the parasympathetic system is where, ideally, we are meant to spend our “normal” times.
We are not living in “normal” times.
What happens when the sympathetic nervous system is stuck in “ON”?
The short answer is stress-related disorders, which is an umbrella term for a wide array of problems. Hypertension, type 2 diabetes, chronic pain including headaches, and disordered sleep are just a few examples of the chronic issues that can result from long-term exposure to stress. Another example of what can be stress-related, and has been getting a lot of attention recently, is brain fog.
Brain fog is a non-medical term meaning it is a non-specific descriptor without a definitive diagnosis. It is generally agreed that the term brain fog covers cognitive impairment including sluggish thinking, slowed response time and can include poor memory and difficulty with word finding. Because the brain needs to understand what is going on, faulty cognition is stress inducing, so brain fog can beget increased stress creating more brain fog.
Is all brain fog stress-related?
Not necessarily. One of the more commonly cited consequences of contraction of SARS-COV-2, and subsequent development of Covid19 is brain fog. In that situation, research has shown the reduction of oxygen in the brain seems to contribute to brain fog and there is also a theory that the virus infects the cerebral spinal fluid which then damages brain tissue.
The causes of brain fog can be physical or emotional.
The list of conditions that can lead to brain fog is extensive. Inflammatory processes caused by Lyme and its co-infections can cause brain fog. Brain fog is a hallmark of fibromyalgia. Many people who undergo chemotherapy treatment complain of brain fog. The inflammation of the brain caused by traumatic brain injuries often leads to brain fog. Systemic mold infections leave patients with brain fog that can last permanently unless the cause is addressed.
Brain fog is also closely associated with disrupted sleep. The brain needs deep sleep to “clean” itself by flushing out metabolites, and when sleep is regularly disrupted, a person can experience an inability to think straight and feel “off”. Lack of exercise is also associated with poor sleep so in some cases there can be a connection between brain fog and lack of physical activity.
So how does one determine the source of brain fog?
A comprehensive approach is needed to ascertain the cause(s). If an inflammatory process is implicated, appropriate health care interventions are indicated. If anxiety is the cause, neurofeedback and stress management are the best options. Click on the “CONTACT HIVE MIND MEDICINE” button below if you would like to schedule with one of our Hive Mind practitioners.
Kayle Sandberg-Lewis holds a M.A. in Behavioral Medicine, the study of how what we do affects our well-being. She has over three decades experience in stress management and is board certified in neurofeedback, which she introduced to her practice in 1996. Kayle co-founded Hive Mind Medicine in 2019, where she currently offers neurofeedback to her clients.
Hive Mind Medicine blog posts are for educational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Please consult with your health care practitioner for personalized guidance. Click on the contact button below if you would like to schedule with one of our Hive Mind practitioners.