What is Post-Covid "Brain fog" and what you need to do about it - DH

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients sometimes experience long-term symptoms following the resolution of covid including fatigue, brain fog, and rashes. It has been reported that about 30% of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients experience long-term symptoms following the resolution of acute covid infection. These symptoms include fatigue, brain fog, sleep difficulties, arthralgia, pharyngitis, myalgia, headaches, fever, gastrointestinal upset, and skin rashes with a variety of presentations. Long-term symptoms associated with COVID-19 are collectively known as Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome (PACS) or chronic COVID syndrome.[1]

It has become increasingly recognized, however, that the virus also attacks the nervous system. Researchers so far have concluded that cognitive impairments exist even in patients who recovered from COVID-19 and might be possibly linked to the underlying inflammatory processes.

The above study undertook measurements of function in several cognitive domains, including attention and memory function, processing speed, executive function, and perceptual abilities.

What is brain fog?

Brain fog is not a medical or scientific term; it is used by individuals to describe how they feel when their thinking is sluggish, fuzzy, and not sharp. You just know it, as it is so sudden it can be overnight and last for weeks. It is a frightening experience.

We all experience this feeling from time to time when we are stressed or sleep-deprived. Post covid brain fog is different and whether the brain will totally recover remains to be seen. Further studies should therefore investigate the long-term cognitive function dynamics in patients with COVID-19 and its relationship with inflammatory profiles. I definitely will be monitoring closely all my patients.

How viral infections can trigger neuro-inflammation?

Systemic inflammation in the body which can be due to viral infection can cause the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to become leaky allowing systemic inflammatory mediators to enter the brain. Systemic inflammation is transmitted to the brain via the vagus nerve. [2]

But what if your thinking didn’t return to normal?

Brain fog can also cause short-term memory problems and issues with multitasking. Certain people may find it more difficult to concentrate or stick with a task, and others will experience coordination problems or become emotionally labile. Sensory changes — like, most notably, sense of smell and taste — also fall under the umbrella of brain fog.[3]

Postviral syndrome (PVS)is common and often unrecognized by the medical profession. It is “not in your head “either as it is real. I saw patients with postcovid syndrome. They were horrified and

described it as ” scary” as their memory and concentration were severely impaired and overnight. They were not able to recall the name of everyday supplements or medication they have been taking for years.

In most cases, this brain fog resolves with natural supplements within a matter of weeks, but some people develop chronic brain fog that persists for months, and maybe even years. Because COVID is still relatively new, we don’t yet know how long that brain fog is capable of lasting.[4]

There’s something unique about the brain fog that comes with COVID, according to James Giordano, a professor of neurology and biochemistry at Georgetown University Medical Center. With most of these other conditions, brain fog typically resolves when the infection clears or the treatment stops. COVID, however, seems to cause a much more intense and sometimes long-lasting, widespread inflammatory effect — and the brain fog can persist for weeks or months on end.[5]

Another study on cognitive aspects of COVID-19 patients has confirmed that as well. Also, I see in my Clinic that inflammatory processes affect the brain while I put patients on the Health Analytical Tool.

What can I do to ameliorate brain fog?

Healing the gut inflammation and antioxidant support with specific nutrients and herbs that crosses BBB and regenerate the neurons is the priory here. The purpose of the blood–brain barrier is to protect against circulating toxins or pathogens that could cause brain infections, while at the same time allowing vital nutrients to reach the brain.

Magnesium threonate helps remove toxins from the brain; choline also supports nerve healing. Microcirculation with herbs needs to be supported to ensure you flush the toxins out. Liver support and then mop up with EFA and Bs. Melatonin has been shown to have antiviral properties against several viral infections which are accompanied by neurological symptoms.

Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants vitamins fiber and are anti-inflammatory.

Adequate sleep, a vegetarian (anti-inflammatory) diet rich in bioflavonoids, and mild exercise is recommended. High-intensity exercise has an inflammatory effect on the body and we do not want” add fuel to the fire” in this case.

If you would like to know more about how natural medicine can help you, please contact Danuta Hulajko on 02 4854 0205

Danuta in dispensary1 Danuta Hulajko is a holistic practitioner, international speaker, the founder and the practitioner at the DH Natural Medicine Clinic and www.healingremedies.com.au , Southern Highlands. She specialises in anti-ageing, autoimmunity, thyroid conditions, digestive disorders, cardiovascular health, heavy metals chelation and CIRS ( mould related illness). For more information please go to our website. You can follow Danuta Hulajko work, events, seminars, expos, latest health research, her health tips and advice on Facebook and LinkedIn