Life in a Fog

Ways to Deal with Cognitive Impairment

By Lizzie, published Sep 28, 2007
Published Content: 12  Total Views: 4,592  Favorited By: 9 CPs
Rating: 4.0 of 5
One of the many symptoms of my mystery illness is the "brain fog". It's incredibly frustrating and, I think, the worse part of being sick. It's worse than the pain, the stiffness, and the rashes. All of it combined doesn't hold a candle to the fog.
What is "brain fog"?
The term "brain fog" is often used by those suffering from chronic illness to define a cognitive dysfunction. Wikipedia specifically defines it:
is a term for the "woolly" sensation of a physical obstruction to clear thinking in the brain, often extended to apply in general to neurocognitive symptoms experienced by many people who suffer from neuroimmune diseases such as ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, Lyme disease and multiple sclerosis, amongst others.

It can be symptom manifest of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

The term brain fog is also used often used to describe the relevant symptom or symptoms of inattentive ADHD or resulting from chemotherapy.[1].

Brain fog involves persistent or episodic cognitive dysfunction, and may be associated with forgetfulness, confusion, slowed thinking, distractability, depersonalization, the inability to remember the correct words when speaking or writing (dysphasia or aphasia).

Have you ever been so tired that you couldn't think straight? Or had to wake up suddenly and couldn't immediately get your bearings? That's similar to what it's like having a brain fog. For me there doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason for the occurrence. Every time it happens it's like my left brain and right brain are refusing to communicate and I'm stuck in the middle.

An example was yesterday (or was it the day before?). I left for a while and, of course, had to unlock the door when I came home. There's 4 or 5 keys on the ring. I honestly couldn't remember which one unlocked the door. I knew that I knew which one it was. But some part of my brain refused to tell me which one. For about 2 minutes I struggled with that. I was glad then that I don't drive.

Life in a Fog

Being in a fog can be disconcerting and frustrating.

Credit: xymonau

Copyright: SXC.hu

Comments
Showing Comments 1 - 15 of 17
Next >>
 
Great article. I can so relate. I have FM and get attacked by brain fog off and on. I put important papers on the floor where I will walk on them and remember to do something about it. My mother is having a hard time understanding that. My taxes were nearly late last year because she put up the paperwork that I had on the floor. Since the papers were not there, I didn't remember I hadn't done my taxes. Brain fog is always why I write by fits and starts. I'll have a few good days and write as fast as I can, then I'll have way too many bad days where I can't write. Those are the days I will read instead - if I can.

Posted on 11/17/2007 at 7:11:00 PM

 
Yes Yes and Yes! Thank you for this well done article!

Posted on 10/22/2007 at 9:10:00 PM

 
This was a very informative article. I've definitely experienced incidents where I'm speaking to someone, and completely forget what I'm trying to say. Also, I'll forget common words, etc.

Posted on 10/18/2007 at 5:10:00 PM

 
Today I am experiencing more of the type brain fog as described in your article, which has helped me understand my condition and how to deal with it.

Posted on 10/13/2007 at 1:10:00 PM

 
Thank you; brought tears to my eyes. Through out life have had those moments of disorientation and now I know I have driven under the influence of "brain fog". Never heard of it before, except vaguely think that is what Joe had in Joe vs. the Volcano, thus at first, thought this article a spoof. 1998 my head was literally in a fog; nothing up in the brain, but big white fluffy clouds. Long story there. The gist: I was diagnosed as having "Job Stress, take 3 days off and call if you need Valium". The head injury was totally overlooked.

Posted on 10/13/2007 at 1:10:00 PM

 
Intriguing and informative as well. I, too, haev felt brain fog even during the flu or for weeks after simple surgery (but is any surgery really "simple"?) I think anesthesia does something that takes time for the body and mind to get past.

Posted on 10/13/2007 at 12:10:00 PM

 
Donald, The incredible author's name is listed right below the title of the article. Thanks for the offer (was it an offer? Hmm, not sure because it wasn't direct and I like direct) but I already know how.

Posted on 10/06/2007 at 3:10:00 PM

 
Hi, Everyone. Thanks for the comments and for taking time to read my writing. Michy and M.S. I think the brain fog is the worst part of this whole ordeal. :)

Posted on 10/06/2007 at 3:10:00 PM

 
Hmm...too bad this incredible author has no idea that I would gladly help them promote this article for free... (I wish they'd ask me how and why.)

Posted on 10/06/2007 at 2:10:00 PM

 
Sound like a simple case of dislexia to me. Many people suffer from it and it can be debilitating to some degree. I'm so sick of all these 'new' BS diagnoses like ADDHDDSSA and AHDHDHDSSHHHSSH and ADHDHHDHDh with SHSHHAS. What a crock. See a good therapist or psychologist, looking out sharply for the quacks and male psychs who are looking for a 'good time and you'll be fine. Let us know, good luck and our prayers are with you.

Posted on 10/05/2007 at 9:10:00 PM

 
Interesting article :-)

Posted on 10/03/2007 at 10:10:00 PM

 
I completely identify with this! I am constantly searching for the word I'm trying to think of right in the middle of a conversation. Happens to me all the time! Just today I was talking with someone at work about something we're all irritated about at work and I was saying that all of us mothers should get together and sign... uh... um...one of those... things... um... oh, ya know... uh, um... PETITIONS! By then I think I lost the other person's attention. This happens to me at least once or twice a day.

Posted on 10/03/2007 at 7:10:00 PM

 
I know exactly what brain fog is. Thanks for sharing. Good article.

Posted on 10/03/2007 at 2:10:00 PM

 
Oh geez, I totally forgot to tell you about cooking. I have wasted microwave meals that I forgot I put in the microwave and then never went back to them - or the toast in the toaster over the nearly caught the house on fire and caused me to have to toss out the toaster oven. Yup, been there, done that.

Posted on 10/02/2007 at 6:10:00 PM

 
Interesting art... Im a pro chess athlete & it help 2 take a break once in a while!!

Posted on 10/02/2007 at 11:10:00 AM

Type in Your Comments Below - (1000 characters left)
Your name:

Submit your own content on this or any topic. Get started »
Showing Comments 1 - 15 of 17
Next >>
Most Commented On