Why the Brain Fog?

[DesignerS]

Can anyone explain to me why we get the brain fog?  I cannot believe this.  Along with the fatigue, having a picnic here. 

Designer

[Scottietottie]

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 

[Patze]

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

[Billydude]

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

[wen.uk]

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

[Patze]

Hi Wen,

Do tell after you see him as I'd like to know what he has to say!!!

Take care -

Patze

[DesignerS]

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

[Epson]

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.

[Dotty]

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!!

[ruby52]

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

[ohiolady]

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

[Scottietottie]

Hi Anna 

Don't worry about repeating yourself. i, for one, am likely to forget if you said it before anyway! Darn fog!!   

[Patze]

Same here Anna, and I hope that it mysteriously improves in 2009 for everyone!


Patze

[susanep]

Add me to the list. I have really wondered at times if I was showing signs of alzhiemers. It is scary.

susanep