While the most predominant symptoms of fibromyalgia include
widespread pain and persistent fatigue, the resulting cognitive
impairment of this condition may be its most maddening.
Commonly
referred to as fibro fog, this symptom is a conglomeration of cognitive
challenges. Fibro fog is understood to be a physical symptom of
fibromyalgia, not a psychological one. While research on fibro fog is
scarce, experts agree that it is not the result of Alzheimer’s disease,
dementia, or other brain function deterioration condition. Of utmost
importance is recognizing that fibro fog can be managed and with the
reduction of fibromyalgia’s other symptoms, the cloud of fibro fog will
also fade away.
Symptoms of Fibro Fog
Just
as no two individuals experience fibromyalgia in the same way, fibro fog
also has a varying range of indications, including:
· Mental confusion
· Fuzzy thinking
· Short-term memory loss
· Inability to concentrate or pay attention
· Language lapses
Fibro Fog Causes
The
same lack of information as to fibromyalgia’s origin also surrounds
fibro fog. While a variety of causes have been proposed, including
depression, decreased oxygen flow to the brain, certain medications,
poor nutrition, and changes to the Central Nervous System (CNS), most
experts agree that sleep deprivation is the primary culprit of fibro
fog.
Occurring at the deepest level of the sleep cycle,
individuals with fibromyalgia typically lack sufficient restorative
sleep. We know that at the deeper levels of sleep, called delta wave
sleep, a person’s mind conducts internal housekeeping. During delta wave
sleep, newly acquired information is assimilated and integrated into
the brain. The inability to get sufficient delta wave sleep impairs the
ability to recall information and operate at a normal level of mental
efficiency.
Physical Link
Temporal lobe brain abnormalities appear to mimic the presentation of fibro fog.
According to Dr. Jay Seastrunk, a psychiatrist specializing in fibromyalgia, if the temporal lobes are mismatched, there will be trouble with memory, recall and concentration. “Cognitive dysfunction is a right temporal lobe phenomena. Multiple mood swings, trouble sleeping are all temporal lobe abnormalities. Temporal lobe is responsible for understanding what we hear, retrieving and restoring our memories even though the patient may feel they have difficulty with their memory. The problem is actually the retrieval of this information. Not being able to find the word or you forget what you are going to do, or blocking, is a left temporal lobe phenomena.”
According to Dr. Jay Seastrunk, a psychiatrist specializing in fibromyalgia, if the temporal lobes are mismatched, there will be trouble with memory, recall and concentration. “Cognitive dysfunction is a right temporal lobe phenomena. Multiple mood swings, trouble sleeping are all temporal lobe abnormalities. Temporal lobe is responsible for understanding what we hear, retrieving and restoring our memories even though the patient may feel they have difficulty with their memory. The problem is actually the retrieval of this information. Not being able to find the word or you forget what you are going to do, or blocking, is a left temporal lobe phenomena.”
Dr. Muhammad B. Yunus, a leading
chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia researcher, suggests that
SPECT (single photon emission computerized tomography), PET (positron
emission tomography) and BEAM (brain electrical activity mapping) scans
of the brain demonstrate that fibro fog is a physical anomaly. According
to Dr. Yunus, “Cerebral blood flow imaging by SPECT, PET and BEAM have
been reported to be abnormal in a large majority of patients with CFS
(Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), showing a pattern different from normal
controls and those with depression. Results of SPECT, PET or BEAM
studies specifically in fibromyalgia have not been reported, but a good
number of patients with CFS who had these tests carried out with
abnormal results also had fibromyalgia.”
When considering both Dr.
Seastrunk and Dr. Yunus’ contributions, it is clear that fibro fog is
represented by physically visible brain variances.
Managing fibro fog
Since
fibro fog is believed to be directly related to non-restorative sleep,
putting all of one’s resources into getting good, quality sleep is
crucial. In addition to seeking professional assistance (and possible
physician-prescribed sleep medications), the following suggestions may
be conducive to getting a quality night’s sleep:
· Adhering to a regular sleep routine – going to sleep and waking at the same time each day
· Providing a relaxing atmosphere prior to and during sleep
· Limiting caffeine and food consumption near bedtime
· Listening to white noise prior to and during sleep
· Sleeping on a high quality mattress
· For pain reduction, using pillows in bed to cushion any sore spots
· Using natural sleep aids (always consult your physician)
In
addition to focusing on getting restorative sleep, The Arthritis
Foundation® shares nine tips to minimize fibro fog’s impact during the
day:
1. Repeat yourself. Repeat things to yourself over and over again. Repetition will keep thoughts fresh in your mind.
2.
Write it down. Whether you write in a calendar, in a notebook or on
sticky notes, if you’re afraid you won’t remember something, putting pen
to paper can help.
3. Pick your best time. If there is something
you need to do that requires concentration and memory, such as balancing
your checkbook or following a recipe, pick your best time to do it.
Many people with fibromyalgia say they perform best early in the day.
4.
Get treated. Depression, pain and sleep deprivation can influence your
ability to concentrate and remember. Getting your medical problems
treated may indirectly help your memory.
5. Engage yourself.
Reading a book, seeing a play, or working a complex crossword or jigsaw
puzzle can stimulate your brain and your memory.
6. Stay active.
Physical activity, in moderation, can increase your energy and help lift
your fibro fog. Speak to your doctor or physical therapist about an
exercise program that is right for you.
7. Explain yourself.
Explain your memory difficulties to family members and close friends.
Memory problems often result from stress. Getting a little understanding
from the ones you love may help.
8. Keep it quiet. A radio
blasting from the next room, a TV competing for your attention, or
background conversation can distract your attention from the task at
hand. If possible, move to a quiet place and minimize distractions when
you are trying to remember.
9. Go slowly. Sometimes memory
problems can result from trying to do too much in too short a period of
time. Break up tasks, and don’t take on more than you can handle at
once. Stress and fatigue will only make the situation worse.
Fibro Fog Hope
As one of fibromyalgia’s most frustrating components, there is hope for fibro fog sufferers. Understanding the following about fibro fog will allay many accompanying fears:
As one of fibromyalgia’s most frustrating components, there is hope for fibro fog sufferers. Understanding the following about fibro fog will allay many accompanying fears:
· You are not alone in suffering with fibro fog
· Fibro fog is not a psychological condition
· Fibro fog is likely a result of non-restorative sleep disturbances
· Improving sleep can reduce fibro fog
· There are many ways to reduce fibro fog’s prominence in your life
The
best news of all is that many individuals report that being committed
to managing their fibromyalgia (by integrating western medicine,
alternative medicine and lifestyle changes), has resulted in their fibro
fog fading away.
References:
Yunus, MD, Muhammad B.,
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia Syndrome: Similarities and
Differences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria,
Peoria, Illinois.
http://www.arthritis.org, Clearing the Fog, Arthritis Foundation, 2006.
http://www.disabilitysecrets.com, Fibromyalgia and Brain Fog or Fibro, disabilitysecrets.com, 2006.
http://www.drlamb.com, Clearing the Brain-Fog of Fibromyalgia, The Pain Reliever Corporation, 2006.
[http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Falls/8173/neurology.html], Neurological Effects of FM and CFS.
web.tampabay.rr.com/lymecfs/brainfog.htm, What is Brainfog and how significant is it?, Marilyn J. Kerr, RN, 2001.
http://www.suite101.com, Fibromyalgia: Fighting Fibro-Fog, Tamara Peters.