Brain Fog
If you feel disoriented, unable to concentrate you may be experiencing a state of consciousness known as "brain fog."
If you feel disoriented, unable to concentrate, experience forgetfulness, and find yourself having accidents frequently, you may be experiencing a state of consciousness known as "brain fog."
Officially, "brain fog" is not a medical term. It’s a term for certain symptoms affecting your thinking ability. You may feel confused or disorganized or find it hard to focus or put your thoughts into words. Our brains execute cognitive processes such as planning and decision-making in a region known as the prefrontal cortex. The delicate neural circuits in this region can exhibit particular sensitivity to inflammation caused by infection or head trauma. Therefore, mild structural or functional damage in this area can lead to the onset of brain fog. In addition to trauma situations, brain fog can arise from inflammatory conditions such as multiple sclerosis or lupus, bacterial infections like Lyme disease, and other factors such as high blood pressure, low blood sugar, sleep deprivation, and the onset of menopause.
One of the major contributors to brain fog today is perhaps cigarette smoking. Smoking leads to increased inflammation and oxidative stress. Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress not only contribute to brain fog but also increase depressive symptoms and anxiety disorders. Both depression and anxiety disorders are significant factors that worsen brain fog. Among all these factors, according to research, one of the most high-profile causes of brain fog currently is long-term COVID-19. Individuals experiencing long-term COVID-19 symptoms may suffer persistent symptoms weeks, months, or even years after their initial SARS-CoV-2 infection. Chronic brain fog is one of the most commonly reported symptoms by these patients. In fact, even many non-Covid individuals have been observed feeling more tired than usual and experiencing increased attention difficulties during the pandemic. In this context, emotional and social factors are also considered contributors to the onset of brain fog.
So, can brain fog be treated? Certainly, brain fog can be treated. The most crucial step in treating brain fog is identifying its root cause. Once identified, it can be treated with a relatively simple method. For example, if stress or lack of sleep is the cause of mental fog, then something as simple as a good night's sleep can alleviate it. Lifestyle changes such as exercising, eating well, and stimulating the mind with puzzles can help minimize some cognitive fogginess.
Bibliography:
https://www.banutascifresko.com/hastaliklar/fibromiyalji/uyumsuz-ikili-sigara-ve-fibromiyalji/
https://www.healthline.com/health/brain-fog
https://www.webmd.com/brain/ss/slideshow-brain-fog