Can anyone explain to me why we get the brain fog? I cannot believe this. Along with the fatigue, having a picnic here. ;)
Designer
Hi Designer :)
I'm sorry - I can't explain it. I just know it happens. The worst brainfog I've ever suffered is when my thyroid is out of kilter. It makes thinking sooo hard. I mean you can think - but you can't hold thoughts for long so you forget what you're doing - or why!
Sometimes I wonder if some of the brainfog has to do with meds that we take but that's certainly not the whole answer. The brain fog can be a symptom before meds are prescribed.
Take care - Scottie :)
Hi Designer,
I too have a lot of issues with brain fog, and like Scottie, I also have had issues with my thyroid. Now, according to the endo, the thyroid is controlled, but I still have a lot of memory problems - I can't remember a whole lot, and I get so distracted in a heart beat. It's sad, and very frustrating!!!!
Why it happens? I don't know, but if you find an answer, please let us know. Then at least I could explain it to my family and coworkers, I'm getting some odd looks lately.
Patze
This link on a Lupus site talks about Sjogrens and brain fog. Its very informative.
Steve
http://www.lupus.com.au/staticpages/index.php?page=2008031321324410
Hi there - sorry you are suffering with this too ... I've been on a good run since November, but can now feel some very familiar feelings and symptons returning. The brain fog is awful when it's bad, makes me afraid to drive as I struggle to concentrate so much.
Thanks for the link Steve, I've just read it and it is very informative - I've learned a litle more today. Also, off topic here, I've been seing a uro-gynae for 2 years for bladder problems and see from the link that this can be as a result of CNS problems associated with the Sjogren's. I can see a discussion coming when I see him in a couple of weeks!!
Wen x
Hi Wen,
Do tell after you see him as I'd like to know what he has to say!!!
Take care -
Patze
Thanks everyone for your responses. And Steve, the link.....I have read and saved:) So it sounds like they do not really understand the "why" but they do acknowledge that it is real. I must say, so far, this is the most frustrating part of this disease. I am so afraid of saying or doing something in front of others that will be an embarrassment. I can't even spell today so I better hit spell check. ::)
Take care everyone.
Designer
Designer,
My brain frog was bad, so bad I thought that I had Alzheimer's or premature dementia. It came on gradually, over a five year period I would say. I finally went to a neurologist a few months back and had some tests that all came up negative, but the doctor was sure that my problems all stemmed from partial seizers.
I wasn't buying into the seizer idea, but at this point what did I have to lose? After several months of taking anti seizure medication, gradually increasing the dose, I am happy to say that I have made a vast improvement and I'm very happy with the results. I don't get lost when driving a few blocks from the house!
My neurologist said that seizure are common with Sjogren's (and other AIs) and should never be ruled out.
I, too, have problems with brain fog. In fact, that was one of my presenting symptoms to the neuro along with ataxia, dropping stuff, etc. This past June I had a five day course of intravenous steroids and all my symptoms remarkably resolved. I had neuropsychiatric testing done in July and did very well, but of course I was "in remission." When my symptoms returned in October (along with joint/muscle and sicca) some of my brain fog returned. Thankfully it has never been as bad as it was before I took the steroids. The neurologist isn't convinced these symptoms are SjS, but the rheummy he referred me to says they are. I am learning to adapt to the brain fog - I write everything down and make an effort to stimulate my brain with memorization, etc. The part that really irritates me is "loosing words." I generally remember them later, but that does affect spontenaity! One day I was sitting on the sofa starring at the Grandfather's clock, unable to remember the word "pendulum." I drove myself nuts til it came to me -- I was not going to ask anyone what that "swinging round thing" was called!!
Thanks so much for the link.I love it when I see the written word of my baffling symptoms.Drs. give you a blank stare.They really do,most of the time when I bring up a weird symptom.My new Rhuemy must know about seizures,thyroid and to check for vit. def.I need to start a list!Funny story about the clock.I rarely drive due to losing concentration but from this discussion I can see I have times the fog is not as bad as others.This post has been really helpful and validating.
Ruby
Count me in on this symptom, as well. I have improved lately, until it was found that I have a tumor on my kidney and the stress of that has caused a relapse. I feel like Ruby, in that, you can mention some of this stuff to the doctor and they just stare at you. My rheumatologist, whom I think is great, gave me a confused look when I asked if brain fog was a part of Sjogrens. And yet, a large percentage on this forum, have considerable brain fog. I must say, I'm sorry you all have it, but it sure makes me feel better. My big thing right now is, I can't remember who I told what, I hate repeating myself.
Anna
Hi Anna :)
Don't worry about repeating yourself. i, for one, am likely to forget if you said it before anyway! Darn fog!! :)
Same here Anna, and I hope that it mysteriously improves in 2009 for everyone!
Patze
Add me to the list. I have really wondered at times if I was showing signs of alzhiemers. It is scary.
susanep :)