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 fibrofog, this symptom is a conglomeration of cognitive challenges. Fibrofog is understood to be a physical symptom of fibromyalgia, not a psychological one. While research on fibrofog is sparse, experts agree that it is not the result of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or another condition of impaired brain function. It is of the utmost importance to recognize that fibro fog can be controlled and that, with the reduction of the other symptoms of fibromyalgia, the fibro fog cloud will also fade.

Symptoms of fiber fog

Just as no two people experience fibromyalgia in the same way, fibrofog also has a variety of indications, including:

mental confusion

blurred thinking

short-term memory loss

Inability to concentrate or pay attention

language lapses

Causes of Stringy Fog

The same lack of information about the origin of fibromyalgia also surrounds fibro fog. Although 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 of sleep is the main culprit of fibrofog.

Occurring at the deepest level of the sleep cycle, people with fibromyalgia generally lack sufficient restful sleep. We know that in the deepest levels of sleep, called delta wave sleep, a person’s mind does internal cleansing. During delta wave sleep, newly acquired information is assimilated and integrated into the brain. The inability to get enough delta wave sleep impairs the ability to recall information and operate at a normal level of mental efficiency.

physical link

Brain abnormalities of the temporal lobe seem to mimic the presentation of fibrofog.
According to Dr. Jay Seastrunk, a psychiatrist who specializes in fibromyalgia, if the temporal lobes do not match, there will be problems with recall, memory, and concentration. “Cognitive dysfunction is a right temporal lobe phenomenon. Multiple mood swings, sleep problems are abnormalities of the temporal lobe. The temporal lobe is responsible for understanding what we hear, retrieving and restoring our memories even though the patient may feel that he has difficulties with his memory. The problem is actually retrieving this information. Not being able to find the word or you forget what you are going to do, or the blockage, it 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 (activity mapping) brain scans electrical brain) show that fibrofog is a physical anomaly. According to Dr. Yunus, “cerebral blood flow SPECT, PET, and BEAM imaging have been reported to be abnormal in a vast majority of patients with CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome), showing a different pattern from normal controls and those with depression. No results of SPECT, PET, or BEAM studies have been reported specifically in fibromyalgia, but a fair number of CFS patients who had these tests performed with abnormal results also had fibromyalgia.”

Considering the contributions of Dr. Seastrunk and Dr. Yunus, it is clear that fibrofog is represented by physically visible brain variations.

Management of fiber fog

Since fibrofog is believed to be directly related to unrefreshing sleep, it is crucial to put all your resources into getting good, quality sleep. In addition to seeking professional assistance (and possible sleep medications prescribed by a doctor), the following suggestions may help you get a restful night’s sleep:

Adhere to a regular sleep routine: go to bed and wake up at the same time every day

Provide a relaxing environment before and during sleep

Limit caffeine and food intake close to bedtime

Listening to white noise before and during sleep

Sleep on a high quality mattress.

To reduce pain, use pillows in 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 fibrofog during the day:

1. Repeat yourself. Repeat things to yourself over and over again. The repetition will keep the thoughts fresh in your mind.

2. Write it down. Whether you’re writing on 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. Choose 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 that they perform better earlier in the day.

4. Get treatment. Depression, pain, and lack of sleep can affect your ability to focus and remember. Treating your medical problems may indirectly help your memory.

5. Commit. Reading a book, watching a play, or solving a complex crossword puzzle or puzzle can stimulate your brain and memory.

6. Stay active. Physical activity, in moderation, can boost your energy and help dispel your fibro fog. Talk to your doctor or physical therapist about an exercise program that’s right for you.

7. Explain. Explain your memory difficulties to family and close friends. Memory problems often result from stress. Getting a little understanding from loved ones can help.

8. Keep it quiet. A blaring radio in the next room, a TV 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 you’re trying to remember.

9. Go slow. Sometimes memory problems can be the result of 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.

Stringy Mist Hope
As one of the most frustrating components of fibromyalgia, there is hope for fibro fog sufferers. Understanding the following about fibrofog will allay many fears that come with it:

You are not the only one suffering from fibro fog

Fibrofog is not a psychological condition.

Fibrofog is likely the result of non-restorative sleep disturbances

Improving sleep can reduce fibro fog

There are many ways to reduce the prominence of fiber 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 caused their fibro fog to fade.

References:

Yunus, MD, Muhammad B., Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia Syndrome: Similarities and Differences, University of Illinois at 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 Brainog and why is it important?, Marilyn J. Kerr, RN, 2001.

http://www.suite101.com, Fibromyalgia: Fighting Fibro Fog, Tamara Peters.