While the most prevalent symptoms of fibromyalgia include widespread pain and persistent fatigue, the cognitive decline resulting from this condition can be the most maddening.
Commonly known as fibro fog, this symptom is a conglomerate of cognitive challenges. Fibrous fog is understood to be a physical symptom of fibromyalgia, not a psychological one. While research on fibro fog is scant, experts agree that it is not the result of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or another condition that impairs brain function. It is of utmost importance to recognize that fibro fog can be managed and with the reduction of other fibromyalgia symptoms, the fibro fog cloud will fade as well.
Fibro fog symptoms
Just as no two people experience fibromyalgia in the same way, fibro fog also has a variable range of indications, including:
Mental confusion
Confused thinking
Short-term memory loss
Inability to concentrate or pay attention
Language lapses
Fibro fog causes
The same lack of information regarding the origin of fibromyalgia 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 in the central nervous system (CNS), most experts agree that lack of sleep It is the main culprit of fibro fog.
Occurring at the deepest level of the sleep cycle, people with fibromyalgia generally lack sufficient restful sleep. We know that at the deepest levels of sleep, called delta wave sleep, a person’s mind performs internal cleansing tasks. During delta wave sleep, newly acquired information is assimilated and integrated into the brain. The inability to get enough sleep with delta waves affects the ability to remember information and operate at a normal level of mental efficiency.
Physical link
Temporal lobe brain abnormalities appear to mimic fibro fog presentation.
According to fibromyalgia psychiatrist Dr. Jay Seastrunk, if the temporal lobes don’t match, there will be problems with memory, recall, and concentration. Cognitive dysfunction is a phenomenon of the right temporal lobe. Multiple mood swings, trouble sleeping are all temporal lobe abnormalities. The temporal lobe is responsible for understanding what we hear, recovering and restoring our memories, even though the patient may feel that they have difficulties with their memory. In reality, the problem is the recovery of this information. Not being able to find the word or you forget what you are going to do, or the blockage, is a phenomenon of the left temporal lobe.
Dr. Muhammad B. Yunus, a leading chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia researcher, suggests that SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography), PET (positron emission tomography), and BEAM (electrical activity mapping) scans cerebral) of the brain demonstrate that fibromyalgia is a physical abnormality. According to Dr. Yunus, SPECT, PET, and BEAM brain blood flow imaging has been reported to be abnormal in a vast majority of CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) patients, showing a different pattern from normal controls and those with depression. Results from SPECT, PET, or BEAM studies have not been reported specifically in fibromyalgia, but a good number of CFS patients who underwent these tests 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 variations.
Fibro fog handling
Since fibro fog is believed to be directly related to non-restorative sleep, it is crucial to put all of one’s resources into getting good, quality sleep. In addition to seeking professional assistance (and possible doctor-prescribed sleep medications), the following suggestions can help you get a good night’s sleep:
· Do you follow a regular sleep routine? going to sleep and waking up at the same time every day
Provide a relaxing environment before and during sleep.
Limit caffeine and food intake close to bedtime
Listen to white noise before and during sleep.
Sleep on a high quality mattress.
To reduce pain, use pillows on the bed to cushion sore spots.
Using natural sleep aids (always consult your doctor)
In addition to focusing on getting restful sleep, The Arthritis Foundation® shares nine tips for minimizing the impact of fibro fog 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 on a calendar, notebook, or sticky notes, if you are afraid you may not remember something, putting a pencil on paper can help.
3. Pick your best moment. If there’s something you need to do that requires concentration and memory, like balancing your checkbook or following a recipe, choose the best time to do it. Many people with fibromyalgia say they perform better earlier in the day.
4. Get treatment. Depression, pain, and lack of sleep can influence your ability to focus and remember. Treating your medical problems can indirectly help your memory.
5. Commit. Reading a book, watching a play, or working on a complex crossword or puzzle can stimulate your brain and memory.
6. Stay active. Physical activity, in moderation, can boost your energy and help lift your fibro fog. Talk to your doctor or physical therapist about an exercise program that is right for you.
7. Explain yourself. Explain your memory difficulties to close friends and family. Memory problems are often the result of stress. Getting a little understanding of your loved ones can help.
8. Keep it quiet. A radio blaring from the next room, a television competing for your attention, or a conversation in the background can distract your attention from the task at hand. If possible, move to a quiet place and minimize distractions when trying to remember.
9. Go slow. Sometimes memory problems can result from trying to do too much in too short a period of time. Break up tasks and don’t do more than you can handle at one time. Stress and fatigue will only make the situation worse.
Fibro fog hope
As one of the most frustrating components of fibromyalgia, there is hope for fibromyalgia sufferers. Understanding the following about fibro fog will allay many of the fears that accompany it:
You are not alone in suffering with fibro fog
Fibro fog is not a psychological condition
Fibrous fog is likely the result of non-restorative sleep disturbances
Improve sleep can reduce stringy fog
There are many ways to reduce the prominence of fibro fog in your life.
The best news of all is that many people report that their commitment to managing their fibromyalgia (by integrating Western medicine, alternative medicine, and lifestyle changes) has made their fibromyalgia go away.
References:
Yunus, MD, Muhammad B., Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia Syndrome: Similarities and Differences, University of Illinois Peoria School of Medicine, Peoria, Illinois.
http://www.arthritis.org, Clearing the Fog, Arthritis Foundation, 2006.
http://www.disabilitysecrets.com, Fibromyalgia and Brain Fog or Fibro, disabledsecrets.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 important is it ?, Marilyn J. Kerr, RN, 2001.
http://www.suite101.com, Fibromyalgia: Fighting Fibro-Fog, Tamara Peters.