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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 21 of 21. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by PrettyLady on February 12, 2013, at 18:37:04
I have had an increase in brain fog over the last 5 years and it's gotten to the point where I feel a lot of pressure in my head/eyes and have poor memory and concentration and the world feels far away. I'm not sure if it's related to medication, diet, or anything else. Been on medications for over 13 years. I am starting a gluten free diet and have seen a little improvement in the last 2 weeks but still struggling.
Anyone had any success relieving brain fog? If so, what caused it, what'd you do, and how are you now?
Thanks!
Posted by schleprock on February 12, 2013, at 19:13:39
In reply to Brain Fog Success Stories?, posted by PrettyLady on February 12, 2013, at 18:37:04
> I have had an increase in brain fog over the last 5 years and it's gotten to the point where I feel a lot of pressure in my head/eyes and have poor memory and concentration and the world feels far away. I'm not sure if it's related to medication, diet, or anything else. Been on medications for over 13 years. I am starting a gluten free diet and have seen a little improvement in the last 2 weeks but still struggling.
> Anyone had any success relieving brain fog? If so, what caused it, what'd you do, and how are you now?
> Thanks!Would "derealization" be another term that would seem to cover your affliction?
Posted by PrettyLady on February 12, 2013, at 21:16:22
In reply to Re: Brain Fog Success Stories? » PrettyLady, posted by schleprock on February 12, 2013, at 19:13:39
The "derealization" is something that has come on gradually, and was not part of my original diagnosis. I experience acute anxiety with depression, and that was my original diagnosis. The derealization is associated with the slow onset of brain fog, and is more like a feeling of walking through water, or that the world is muted. I think it's neurological, or allergy/food related, but anyone's experience on the subject would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on February 12, 2013, at 21:30:15
In reply to Re: Brain Fog Success Stories?, posted by PrettyLady on February 12, 2013, at 21:16:22
Mondafanil or Atomoxetine might be worth trying?
Posted by schleprock on February 12, 2013, at 21:42:55
In reply to Re: Brain Fog Success Stories?, posted by jono_in_adelaide on February 12, 2013, at 21:30:15
> Mondafanil or Atomoxetine might be worth trying?
Mondafanil sounds pretty interesting jono, perhaps you can give us an exposition.
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on February 12, 2013, at 22:12:55
In reply to Re: Brain Fog Success Stories? » jono_in_adelaide, posted by schleprock on February 12, 2013, at 21:42:55
Well, it a stimulant, and it would seem to me that a stimulant would help clear "brain fog" if brain fog is what i think it is, and mondafanil is probably a beter first choice than an amphetamine
Posted by SLS on February 12, 2013, at 22:16:42
In reply to Brain Fog Success Stories?, posted by PrettyLady on February 12, 2013, at 18:37:04
> I have had an increase in brain fog over the last 5 years and it's gotten to the point where I feel a lot of pressure in my head/eyes and have poor memory and concentration and the world feels far away. I'm not sure if it's related to medication, diet, or anything else. Been on medications for over 13 years. I am starting a gluten free diet and have seen a little improvement in the last 2 weeks but still struggling.
> Anyone had any success relieving brain fog? If so, what caused it, what'd you do, and how are you now?
> Thanks!
An atypical antipsychotic might be worth looking into. I am partial to Abilify and Zyprexa. Many people describe Zyprexa as producing clarity of thought. It is unfortunate that it has metabolic side effects. Saphris is a drug to take note of.It is critical to reduce anxiety in order to address your cognitive impairments. If modafinil, ampthetamine, atomoxetine, methylphenidate, and donepezil don't produce improvements, then you might need to check out an AP or a benzodiazepine. I wonder if Trileptal would be helpful.
Is there any bipolar stuff going on with you or family members?
- Scott
Posted by schleprock on February 12, 2013, at 22:41:25
In reply to Re: Brain Fog Success Stories?, posted by SLS on February 12, 2013, at 22:16:42
> > I have had an increase in brain fog over the last 5 years and it's gotten to the point where I feel a lot of pressure in my head/eyes and have poor memory and concentration and the world feels far away. I'm not sure if it's related to medication, diet, or anything else. Been on medications for over 13 years. I am starting a gluten free diet and have seen a little improvement in the last 2 weeks but still struggling.
> > Anyone had any success relieving brain fog? If so, what caused it, what'd you do, and how are you now?
> > Thanks!
>
>
> An atypical antipsychotic might be worth looking into. I am partial to Abilify and Zyprexa. Many people describe Zyprexa as producing clarity of thought. It is unfortunate that it has metabolic side effects. Saphris is a drug to take note of.
>
> It is critical to reduce anxiety in order to address your cognitive impairments. If modafinil, ampthetamine, atomoxetine, methylphenidate, and donepezil don't produce improvements, then you might need to check out an AP or a benzodiazepine. I wonder if Trileptal would be helpful.
>
> Is there any bipolar stuff going on with you or family members?
>
>
> - ScottScott, are you saying that modafinil would be a more healthy option, while APs would be left as a last resort?
Posted by SLS on February 12, 2013, at 23:03:30
In reply to Re: Brain Fog Success Stories? » SLS, posted by schleprock on February 12, 2013, at 22:41:25
> > > I have had an increase in brain fog over the last 5 years and it's gotten to the point where I feel a lot of pressure in my head/eyes and have poor memory and concentration and the world feels far away. I'm not sure if it's related to medication, diet, or anything else. Been on medications for over 13 years. I am starting a gluten free diet and have seen a little improvement in the last 2 weeks but still struggling.
> > > Anyone had any success relieving brain fog? If so, what caused it, what'd you do, and how are you now?
> > > Thanks!
> >
> >
> > An atypical antipsychotic might be worth looking into. I am partial to Abilify and Zyprexa. Many people describe Zyprexa as producing clarity of thought. It is unfortunate that it has metabolic side effects. Saphris is a drug to take note of.
> >
> > It is critical to reduce anxiety in order to address your cognitive impairments. If modafinil, ampthetamine, atomoxetine, methylphenidate, and donepezil don't produce improvements, then you might need to check out an AP or a benzodiazepine. I wonder if Trileptal would be helpful.
> >
> > Is there any bipolar stuff going on with you or family members?
> >
> >
> > - Scott
>
> Scott, are you saying that modafinil would be a more healthy option, while APs would be left as a last resort?
I think that really depends upon the extent to which anxiety is driving the brain-fog and derealization. I am trying to remain objective when it comes to the use of APs. I remember being very much against trying Zyprexa when it first came out. I was very worried about contracting tardive dyskinesia. I can understand how that would be a global concern of others who have not yet come to the conclusions that the modern AAPs are much safer than the older drugs. Personally, I would not leave an AAP as a last resort, but this will depend upon one's responsiveness to stimulants and the presence of anxiety. There are lots of things one can do.
- Scott
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on February 12, 2013, at 23:11:54
In reply to Re: Brain Fog Success Stories? » schleprock, posted by SLS on February 12, 2013, at 23:03:30
When i suggested a stimulant, i was assuming that brain fog was a fatigue type issue, as I have mainly heard it refered to in relation to ME/CFS/Lymes/Ross River Fever etc
If anxiety was playing a part, I'm not sure how helpful they would be, atlease alone, a combination might be of use though?
Posted by Phillipa on February 12, 2013, at 23:24:55
In reply to Re: Brain Fog Success Stories?, posted by jono_in_adelaide on February 12, 2013, at 23:11:54
I think will google brain fog and see what is referred to. Phillipa
Posted by rjlockhart37 on February 12, 2013, at 23:30:21
In reply to Brain Fog Success Stories?, posted by PrettyLady on February 12, 2013, at 18:37:04
stimulants.....namanda.....smart drugs, also some stimulating antidepressants like wellbutrin and effexor....and of course the MAOIs
Posted by Phillipa on February 12, 2013, at 23:35:32
In reply to Re: Brain Fog Success Stories?, posted by rjlockhart37 on February 12, 2013, at 23:30:21
Wow according to Wiki and a few other sites I read it's really complicated. Could be many things. Phillipa
Posted by bleauberry on February 13, 2013, at 2:01:48
In reply to Brain Fog Success Stories?, posted by PrettyLady on February 12, 2013, at 18:37:04
Brain fog, in my opinion and experience anyway, has infection as a primary likely suspect. The toxins of various chronic stealth infections are potent neurotoxins, with depression and brain fog as strong symptoms.
For meds, the stimulants can help clear up the brain fog. Ritalin or adderall or modafinil. All worth a try, but they have their own dark sides as well. I use ritalin on an as-needed basis when brain fog is real bad. Works good for a few hours.
But that is the problem with medication treatment of brain fog....the help is only temporary and does absolutely nothing to arrest the actual cause of it all. None of the psych drugs are helpful in that way.
Some of the Lyme herbs are very helpful for brain fog. It's not an instant thing like stimulants, but over weeks and months they clear up many possible causes simultaneously so that brain fog diminishes gradually over time as the condition improves.
Resveratrol, made from Polygonum Cupsidatum (Japanese Knotweed), brand Paradise Herbs or Source Naturals. Cat's Claw, any brand.
Actually, if you begin studying about chronic Lyme disease, pretending you have it even if you don/t, you'll find stuff on brain fog.
That said, Lyme disease is estimated to be 10X more common than is diagnosed, and since your symptoms fit the profile, the idea cannot be tossed out. If not Lyme, there are about a dozen similar infections. They all respond to the same herbs, so it really doesn't matter what it is.
One of your meds could be causing brain fog. It's just that it seems weird to me it would gradually get worse over a 5 year period. That does not sound like medication to me.
Posted by Hugh on February 13, 2013, at 11:36:47
In reply to Brain Fog Success Stories?, posted by PrettyLady on February 12, 2013, at 18:37:04
There are probably many causes for brain fog, so what helped mine may not help yours. I suffered from brain fog for seven years before I began neurofeedback. My brain had excessive slow-wave activity, and training this down greatly reduced my brain fog. (I tried doing some neurofeedback exercises that increased my slow-wave activity, and this made my brain fog worse.)
Posted by hyperfocus on February 13, 2013, at 22:05:08
In reply to Re: Brain Fog Success Stories?, posted by PrettyLady on February 12, 2013, at 21:16:22
Long-term acute anxiety with depression leads to dissociation/derealization. Do you have strange sensations in parts of your body or psychosomatic body tics? Do you have to re-experience the particulars or circumstances that led to your anxiety every day?
You could try some techniques that PTSD victims use like grounding exercises -- things that reinforce present reality and safety and your total separation from any traumatic. situation in the present day I don't know how much they would help your type of anxiety. Dissociative stuff is very hard to combat with meds alone.
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on February 14, 2013, at 0:04:33
In reply to Re: Brain Fog Success Stories?, posted by bleauberry on February 13, 2013, at 2:01:48
Didnt the idea of focal sepsis go out of fashion about 100 years ago?
> Brain fog, in my opinion and experience anyway, has infection as a primary likely suspect. The toxins of various chronic stealth infections are potent neurotoxins, with depression and brain fog as strong symptoms.
> For meds, the stimulants can help clear up the brain fog. Ritalin or adderall or modafinil. All worth a try, but they have their own dark sides as well. I use ritalin on an as-needed basis when brain fog is real bad. Works good for a few hours.
> But that is the problem with medication treatment of brain fog....the help is only temporary and does absolutely nothing to arrest the actual cause of it all. None of the psych drugs are helpful in that way.
> Some of the Lyme herbs are very helpful for brain fog. It's not an instant thing like stimulants, but over weeks and months they clear up many possible causes simultaneously so that brain fog diminishes gradually over time as the condition improves.
> Resveratrol, made from Polygonum Cupsidatum (Japanese Knotweed), brand Paradise Herbs or Source Naturals. Cat's Claw, any brand.
> Actually, if you begin studying about chronic Lyme disease, pretending you have it even if you don/t, you'll find stuff on brain fog.
> That said, Lyme disease is estimated to be 10X more common than is diagnosed, and since your symptoms fit the profile, the idea cannot be tossed out. If not Lyme, there are about a dozen similar infections. They all respond to the same herbs, so it really doesn't matter what it is.
> One of your meds could be causing brain fog. It's just that it seems weird to me it would gradually get worse over a 5 year period. That does not sound like medication to me.
Posted by alchemy on February 17, 2013, at 19:55:29
In reply to Brain Fog Success Stories?, posted by PrettyLady on February 12, 2013, at 18:37:04
I have used the term brain fog for the way my head felt but it may not be exactly like yours. Unfortunately, i dont have a success story except for stimulants. Too bad that they arent a panacea.
When you say that the world feels far away, that is how i feel with dearealization/disassociation. I get that if I forget my xanax.
Posted by alchemy on February 18, 2013, at 1:05:51
In reply to Re: Brain Fog Success Stories?, posted by alchemy on February 17, 2013, at 19:55:29
I just read something about creatine. I know I've tried it in the past for depression probably. But I didnt realize it is used a fuel in your brain when you think. It might be worth a shot, but of course theory and reality are different. I saw an article that it can cause depression and one that it can help it. I have frustrated feeling like it is too hard to think, so maybe I will give it another go.
> I have used the term brain fog for the way my head felt but it may not be exactly like yours. Unfortunately, i dont have a success story except for stimulants. Too bad that they arent a panacea.
> When you say that the world feels far away, that is how i feel with dearealization/disassociation. I get that if I forget my xanax.
>
Posted by PrettyLady on February 18, 2013, at 4:23:27
In reply to Re: Brain Fog Success Stories?, posted by jono_in_adelaide on February 14, 2013, at 0:04:33
Thanks for all the responses. I started Zoloft recently and it's helping the depression, and that is lifting some of the fog. Also I stopped eating gluten about 3 weeks ago (full benefits take 6 months) and have a vitmain D deficiency and have been supplementing for that. All those I think are helping the brain fog/fatigue/pressure in head/dullness. I also notice that high fructose corn syrup adds to it, and certain candies and foods. I think that it's a combination of things and the cause could be different for everyone. Good luck to all.
Posted by PrettyLady on February 26, 2013, at 13:19:25
In reply to Re: Brain Fog Success Stories?, posted by PrettyLady on February 18, 2013, at 4:23:27
I wanted to report that the gluten free diet has proved to be very effective in eliminating my brain fog. Only wished I had tried it sooner. Cheers!
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