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Understanding Fibromyalgia

» Blog » Fibromyalgia » Fibro Fog: Coping With Fibromyalgia Brain Fog

Fibro Fog: Coping With Fibromyalgia Brain Fog

Last Updated: February 8, 2019 Sue 15 Comments

Coping With Fibromyalgia Brain Fog

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission when you make a purchase using my link. See my full disclosure policy for more information.

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Fibro fog is the term used to describe the brain fog or cognitive dysfunction associated with fibromyalgia. It is the feeling of being in a daze, making it difficult to take in and process information. For some people, fibro fog can be more of a disability than the physical symptoms of fibromyalgia.

According to the National Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Association, research shows there really is a problem with cognitive dysfunction in FM patients. The cognitive function of fibromyalgia patients were equivalent to that of adults who were twenty years older than FM patients on several tests.

What Causes Fibro Fog

What causes fibro fog is still unknown. It is apparent there is no real problem with the mental capacities of people suffering from fibrofog. The theory is there must be underlying problems that cause cognitive dysfunction. A number of factors could be at the root of these cognitive impairments.

These factors include:

  • Chronic Pain – Chronic pain can affect the hippocampus, a region of the brain critical for learning, memory and emotional processing. Processing constant pain signals can be overwhelming, causing increased stress, which also contributes to short-term memory loss. (You can read 9 ways to manage chronic pain here.)
  • Sleep Disorders – The inability to get deep restorative sleep impairs the ability to maintain normal mental efficiency and to recall information.
  • Not Enough Oxygen – Brain scan studies show that sometimes people with fibromyalgia do not receive enough oxygen in parts of their brain. One possible reason is that part of their nervous system is out of balance, causing changes in the brain’s blood vessels.
  • Decreased Blood Flow – Studies show that fibromyalgia can cause decreased blood flow to certain areas of the brain responsible for creating short-term memories. This lack of blood flow may prevent the brain from adequately creating new memories.
  • Premature Brain Aging – Researchers have found that fibro fog sufferers lose three times as much brain tissue per year than healthy people in the same age bracket. Some of the losses occur in areas of the brain that control memory and concentration.
  • Depression – A large percentage of people with fibromyalgia also suffer from anxiety and depression. Depression and memory loss seem to be linked. Depression lowers the levels of serotonin in the brain, preventing new memories from being processed.
  • Medications – A lot of common medications used for fibromyalgia contribute to brain fog.

Brain fog is usually worse when the pain and fatigue are worse. It can be exacerbated when you are anxious, feeling rushed or dealing with sensory overload.

Symptoms Of Fibro Fog

The symptoms of fibro fog can range from mild to severe. They frequently vary from day-to-day. Symptoms of fibro fog may include:

  • Trouble With Words – Difficulty recalling words or names, the use of incorrect words, trouble holding conversations, understanding conversations, and expressing thoughts
  • Short-term Memory Problems – Forgetfulness, difficulty remembering where you put things or remembering plans, forgetting what you are doing, unable to recall what was heard or read
  • Trouble Concentrating – Easily distracted, trouble processing information, inability to pay attention to more than one thing at a time, unable to complete a task
  • Trouble With Numbers – Difficulty performing simple math, transposing numbers, trouble remembering numbers
  • Getting Lost – Not knowing where you are going or where you are, not recognizing your surroundings, impaired sense of direction

Experiencing fibro fog can be frustrating and stressful. I hate the brain fog more than the pain and fatigue. My anxiety goes through the roof when I can’t concentrate, feel distracted, mix up words and am unable to form a complete sentence.

Tips To Cope With Fibro Fog

So, what can you do when you are feeling confused and forgetful? The most important thing to do is to STAY CALM. When my mental capabilities are dimmed by fibro fog, it scares the heck out of me. But it also lets me know it is time to slow down.

Here are 12 tips to help cope with fibro fog:

  • Rest – Respect your body’s need for rest. Overactivity (physical or mental) can worsen cognitive functions, so it may be important to take frequent rest breaks. Frequent rest breaks can actually help prevent fibro fog and other flare-ups associated with fibromyalgia.
  • Follow A Routine – Establish a daily routine for simple tasks. Doing things in a predictable manner will help reduce fibro fog.
  • Stay Organized – Find a system that helps you stay on top of things. Create daily to-do lists. Use a planner to keep track of appointments. Use a weekly pill-box to keep track of medications.
  • De-Clutter – A cluttered environment can be overwhelming and distracting, cause additional stress and make brain fog worse. Organize your home so that everything has a designated place.
  • Avoid Multi-Tasking – Focus on one thing at a time. It is harder to concentrate when you’re trying to do too much at once.
  • Avoid Over Stimulation – Since one of the causes of fibro fog is over stimulation, find ways to limit sensory input. For example, if you are hypersensitive to noise, move to a quiet place to avoid distractions.
  • De-Stress – Stress may cause fibro fog to worsen. Stress relievers like meditation, restorative yoga, listening to music or reading can help improve fibro fog.
  • Breathe – People with fibromyalgia tend to be shallow breathers. Practice deep breathing when struggling with fibro fog to increase blood flow and oxygen levels in the brain.
  • Exercise Regularly – Exercise not only improves blood flow, but also helps improve sleep, which can help alleviate some of the cognitive difficulties associated with fibromyalgia.
  • Improve Sleep – Lack of restorative sleep can cause and exacerbate cognitive problems. Getting quality sleep is the most important treatment for improving most, if not all of the symptoms of fibromyalgia. (You may want to read this post about improving sleep with fibromyalgia.)
  • Take Care of Nutritional Needs – Cognitive functions will improve with a healthy diet. Avoid processed foods, gluten, sugar, caffeine and various food additives and preservatives which can make pain and brain fog worse. Optimizing your intake of B vitamins, omega 3 and magnesium will also help improve cognitive function.
  • Play Games – Puzzles, brain teasers and some video games can help improve critical thinking skills and improve memory.

Some of the symptoms associated with fibro fog can actually be a side effect of your medications. Read the labels and check with your doctor about adjusting dosage levels or changing to other medications. You may also want to discuss medications or supplements such as Ginkgo biloba, that increase attention, and concentration.

Conclusion

Brain fog is a common symptom of fibromyalgia. Studies show that cognitive dysfunction is more related to pain. Depression, anxiety and other factors do not necessarily influence the level of cognitive decline. Fibro fog can be debilitating. Researchers are working to find a solution.

Until then, all we can do is take care of our self: eat healthily, exercise, relax and try not to over-do.

Fibro Fog: Coping With Fibromyalgia Brain Fog
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Filed Under: Fibromyalgia Tagged With: Cognitive Problems, FM Symptoms, Living With Fibromyalgia

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Comments

  1. Lee says

    April 9, 2015 at 5:17 pm

    great info about this dreaded brain fog… the funny thing though is when you are having a bad brain fog day you can’t work out why and you can’t remember to do any of these great suggestions. Sometimes it just hits hard for no rhyme or reason and I wake up the next day and it’s gone.

    Reply
    • Sue says

      April 10, 2015 at 9:43 am

      I know what you mean. I am having one of those days today and I don’t know why. Just woke up this way. Looks like it’s going to be a rest day for me. Take care, Lee.

      Reply
  2. Jerrie says

    May 17, 2015 at 4:43 pm

    So glad I found your site. I babysat my 1 yo granddaughter on Tues. I enjoyed every moment. But today is day 5 of this horrible fatigue and fog. I try to describe it but it’s so difficult. I feel so over medicated and my brain feels so inflamed. It’s really scary. I haven’t had a flare this bad in a long time. Do you find if you use your eyes out makes it worse?

    Reply
    • Sue says

      May 18, 2015 at 11:49 am

      Hi Jerrie. I know what you mean about loving every minute with your granddaughter. I had my granddaughter all the time when she was little and then I would be exhausted for days. I wouldn’t have given up a minute of time with her though (she is 16 now). And yes, using my eyes does make it worse. When I am in a flare I also have a hard time focusing and my vision is blurry.

      Reply
  3. Ilse says

    January 27, 2016 at 6:18 pm

    Excellent post. I’m dealing with many of these issues as well..

    Reply
  4. Marie Johnston says

    March 20, 2016 at 6:16 am

    Thank you for a clear informative piece on the frightening experience of go to fog and some coping strategies.

    Reply
    • Marie Johnston says

      March 20, 2016 at 6:29 am

      It should say fibro.fog (auto correct)

      Reply
    • Sue says

      March 21, 2016 at 12:10 pm

      Your welcome, Marie. Glad to have you here.

      Reply
  5. Patrick says

    April 18, 2016 at 11:12 am

    Hey Sue,
    Thanks for sharing. I’d also recommend Ginkgo Biloba for the treatment fibro fog. I would also consider other nootropics that enhance focus and cognitive abilities.

    Reply
    • Sue says

      April 18, 2016 at 6:40 pm

      Hi, Patrick. Thanks for the tip.

      Reply
  6. Kayla says

    October 13, 2016 at 6:10 pm

    Thank you for such a fantastic read. Honestly can’t thank you enough for this information. I’ve been struggling for months with such debilitating Fibro Fog and finding not only potential reasons for it but also some solutions has made my day.

    I totally understand that panicked feeling when suddenly your brain goes dark. I think what makes it worse is that you know it’s not normal because before you had Fibro everything was working fine!

    I’m glad I’ve been able to find another fellow Fibro Blogger!

    Reply
    • Sue says

      October 16, 2016 at 1:15 pm

      Thank you, Kayla. I think you are right. I used to be super organized. I knew where everything was at home. Now I have to look all over the house for things. I never forgot things and I was a whiz at multi-tasking. But not anymore. I am happy to meet another fibro blogger too. And thank you for linking to my post on your blog. I am sorry that fibro got you at such a young age. I feel lucky that I didn’t have any major health problems until I was 40 years-old. Take care.

      Reply

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Sue (Fibrodaze) Hi, I’m Sue. I’ve been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, migraines, multiple chemical sensitivities, depression, and asthma. I want to share information and self-care tips in order to help others with similar conditions live a better life. But, most of all, I want you to know you are not alone…Read More

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