Ask Dr. Santa Maria: What Causes Brain Fog?
Many POTS patients suffer with brain fog—a symptom that causes patients to feel confused, lack clarity, and feel inattentive or unable to stay focused on a thought. Though it may not be possible to test for brain fog, it’s a symptom that patients will learn to recognize on their own. It is a common complaint of patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Fibromyalgia, and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome.
Brain Fog is related to abnormalities of neurotransmission in the central nervous system (CNS.) Brain cell synaptic connections are not as sharp, precise or well-defined pathways—as is in the usual state. This makes short term memory vague, slows comprehension and retention of words, both spoken and written. It also limits a patient’s ability to calculate and generally affects cognitive functions that require new and/or speedy new connections.
The speed of these connections can vary day to day – thus brain fog can be bad one day and relatively better the next.
Older areas of the brain, like the parts that control breathing, heart rate and other basic functions may use neurotransmitters predominantly and not be affected as much.
What can patients do to help fight brain fog?
One thing that might definitely help any POTS patients with brain fog would be the use of “fog lights.”
The human brain, particularly at the beginning of the day, needs a definite high exposure to bright white light to wake up and fully function. The number that is generally quoted is 10000 lumens. This should be almost direct light and should be for about 15 minutes. Bright sunlight without sunglasses (but of course not looking directly into the sun) is probably best. There are also a whole variety of commercial Bright Lites made for this actual purpose. Since many POTSies tend to be shut in dark bedrooms or not going outside much, they would be especially vulnerable to this lack of light. Google “Light therapy” and read the Wikipedia description for more information.
Disclaimer: Even though this information is coming from a qualified medical professional, it should not be taken as a personalized diagnosis or treatment plan. POTS patients in particular tend to have multiple medical issues including secondary diagnoses of Mast Cell and Ehlers Danlos Disease. Please discuss this information with your doctor for a more personalized approach. Read our full disclaimer here.
