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Fog

Most people with CFS and fibromyalgia experience cognitive problems. Often called "brain fog" or "fibro fog," the problems include being forgetful, feeling confused, difficulty concentrating, problems with word recall and the inability to speak clearly.

 
Cognitive problems have a variety of causes, including:
 

     
Overexertion 
   
Being too active, living "outside energy envelope"
 
Fatigue
 
It’s hard to be alert when tired
 
Poor Sleep  
 
Some fog is created by not getting restorative sleep
 
Over-stimulation
 
Too much sensory information or info from multiple sources
 
Multi-tasking
 
Doing more than one task at the same time
 
Stress 
 
Stress increases CFS/FM symptoms generally
 
Medications
 
Side effects include confusion and grogginess

 

Like the other major symptoms of CFS and fibro, brain fog is best addressed by using a combination of strategies and by developing new habits. You will find strategies for combatting fog on the next three pages. In addition, your efforts to control fatigue and poor sleep will help you control fog as well.
 

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