What to Know About COVID-19 and Brain Fog

What to Know About COVID-19 and Brain Fog

Introduction

    Covid-19's most common symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue. However, neurological symptoms - those affecting the brain and nervous system - are reported in up to 25 percent of people who develop COVID-19.

    "Brain fog" is a neurological symptom that people with COVID-19 usually report. In some cases, brain fog or cognitive impairment can last for several months after the disease is gone.

    In this article, we'll take a closer look at why COVID-19 causes brain fog in some people, how common it is, and when to get help for these neurological problems.

What is COVID-19 brain fog?

   Brain fog is not a medical diagnosis. Instead, it is a general term used to describe a sense of mental slowness, confusion, or spacing.

    Symptoms of brain fog can include:

• Memory problems.
• Mental inequity.
• Poor concentration.
• feeling "out of it."
• Headaches.
• Confusion.

    Most people suffer from periods of brain fog from time to time. You probably felt mentally let down after a night of lack of sleep or when you were under intense pressure.

    But some people who developed COVID-19 reported a brain fog that lasted weeks or even months after their other symptoms -- such as coughing, fatigue, or fever -- disappeared.

Why COVID-19 causes brain fog

    Researchers are still investigating the possible cause of brain fog in people with COVID-19. It is believed that both physiological and psychological factors may play a role.

    The new coronavirus that causes COVID-19, known as SARS-CoV-2, is believed to commonly spread through close contact with an infected person. Respiratory drops from this person can enter your body through your nose, mouth, or eyes.

    Once the coronavirus reaches your system, the cells enter through an enzyme called the receptor of the enzyme converted to angiotensin 2 (ACE2). The virus is an invasion of nerves, which means it can enter brain tissue.

    Many case studies reliably source found that some people who have developed COVID-19 suffer from complications such as altered consciousness or encephalopathy. Encephalopathy is a general term that refers to damage or disease to your brain.

    A reliable source study from January 2021 found increased levels of inflammatory cytokines in the fluid surrounding people's brains weeks after covid-19. Cytokines are molecules produced by your immune system and stimulate inflammation.

     Inflammation in your brain hinders the ability of neurons to communicate with each other. This may be one of the factors contributing to brain fog.

     The researchers also have a reliable source of microscopic structural changes in the hippocampus and other areas of the brain after COVID-19. They believe that these changes may also contribute to cognitive disabilities.

Other factors that may contribute to brain fog

     As mentioned earlier, inflammation in and around the brain may contribute to brain fog. However, there are other ways the covid-19 virus may indirectly lead to brain fog as well.

    Some potential contributing factors include:

• Poor sleep quality.
• Feelings of loneliness.
• depression.
• Increased stress or anxiety.
• Dietary changes.
• Reduced physical activity.
• Side effects of some medications.

How common is it?

    Researchers are still working to understand how common brain fog is in people with COVID-19.

     One recent analysis reliable source showed that between 7.5 and 31 percent of people suffer from a changing mental state as a symptom of COVID-19. However, this estimate was based on small studies and may not apply to a larger population.

     The latest study reliable source reports that neurological symptoms can be more prevalent than originally thought and may occur in up to 69 percent of people who have developed severe illness with COVID-19.

     At the moment, it's not clear why some people develop brain fog and others don't. People with severe cases of COVID-19 appear to be at a higher risk level and a reliable source of neurological symptom development than people with mild illness.

     Severe brain-related complications are a reliable source such as delirium, seizure, encephalitis and surrounding tissues are most common in seriously ill patients.

How long does it usually last?

    It is still unclear how long the brain fog usually lasts after COVID-19. Some people reported a brain fog that lasted weeks or months after their respiratory symptoms disappeared.

    A reliable source study published in December 2020 found that about 28 percent of people suffer from persistent concentration problems for more than 100 days after hospitalization due to COVID-19.

    Elsewhere a reliable source study found that out of a group of 60 patients who recovered from COVID-19, 55 percent still had neurological symptoms 3 months after their illness.

   These symptoms included:

• Mood changes.
• tired.
• Headaches.
• Visual disturbances.

What helps with treating brain fog caused by COVID-19?

    As of now, the best treatment for brain fog caused by COVID-19 is to adopt healthy habits. The following tips may help boost your mental job if you're dealing with persistent brain fog.

• Get enough sleep. Getting a night of good sleep can help repair and recover your body.
• Exercise regularly. Physical activity is not only beneficial to your heart and lungs but also a great way to enhance your mind's functions.
• All well. Try to eat a balanced and healthy diet to give your body the nutrition it needs to return to good health.
• Avoid tobacco and alcohol. Moving away from tobacco and alcohol products can help reduce inflammation in your mind.

    Researchers continue to consider the potential benefits of steroids to reduce encephalitis that may contribute to cognitive changes.

When should you see a doctor about your symptoms?

    It's good to see your doctor if your mental symptoms are severe enough to interfere with your daily life or if you don't get better after two weeks.

    If you have COVID-19, it is important to seek immediate medical attention if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing.
• Pain or constant pressure in your chest.
• Speed of heartbeat.
• New mental confusion.
• Trouble staying awake or having trouble waking up.
• Blue nails or lips.

Conclusion 

    Some people with COVID-19 reported fog in the brain for weeks or months after their respiratory symptoms passed. It is believed that a combination of physiological changes in the brain and psychological factors may contribute to this condition.

     Researchers are still trying to understand why some people have neurological symptoms of COVID-19 and others do not. If you have COVID-19 and have long-term cognitive problems that affect your ability to think clearly, be sure to follow up with your doctor.