Brain Fog

Today I thought we’d talk about Brain Fog. It isn’t a classic symptom of Myasthenia Gravis, since MG primarily affects voluntary muscle function due to an autoimmune attack on the neuromuscular junction, however, many MG patients report experiencing cognitive difficulties. Brain fog can include memory problems, difficulty concentrating, mental fatigue or slower cognitive processing speed.

I periodically experience brain fog. It doesn’t happen very often, but I can feel it every once in a while. It’s strange because it sometimes feels like if I just shake my head, it will go away. (Just for the record, that doesn’t work.) It’s kind of like having cobwebs in the ole’ attic. You can still think and function, but you can tell you’re processing at a little slower speed.

Again, brain fog isn’t a classic symptom of MG, but some people experience it and it’s usually as a result of one or more of the following:

1. Fatigue – MG causes muscle weakness that worsens with activity, leading to overall exhaustion, which can contribute to cognitive sluggishness.
2. Medications – Treatments like steroids (e.g., prednisone), acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., Mestinon), or immunosuppressants can have cognitive side effects.
3. Poor Sleep – Muscle weakness, breathing issues, or steroid-induced insomnia can lead to sleep deprivation, which impairs mental clarity.
4. Inflammation & Autoimmune Activity – Some autoimmune diseases affect brain function indirectly, though MG is primarily neuromuscular.
5. Emotional & Psychological Factors – Anxiety, depression, and stress – common in chronic illnesses – can contribute to cognitive difficulties.

So, if you’re experiencing brain fog, you’re not going crazy. You just have to learn how to manage it. Some of the best tips for managing brain fog include:

1. Manage MG symptoms effectively with the right medication balance.
2. Improve Sleep Quality by observing sleep hygiene and treating sleep apnea if present.
3. Eating a Brain-Healthy Diet which includes omega-3s, antioxidants and keeping hydrated.
4. Reducing Stress by practicing mindfulness.
5. Consulting your Neurologist, if your brain fog becomes severe.

When I experience a bout of brain fog, I usually try to go to a quiet place and just relax. For me, this remedy gets me away from any extraneous stimulation and allows me to recovery rather quickly. While this method often works for me, you’ll have to discover and practice the techniques that work best for you.

If you experience brain fog, it might be a good idea to let your caregivers, family and friends know. Symptoms of brain fog can appear similar to someone having a stroke, transient ischemic attack, or even the early stages of dementia. While we probably don’t want our loved ones immediately calling 911 for a brief instance of brain fog, if the brain fog persists or symptoms get worse, we will definitely need our loved ones to make that call. Worsening symptoms can be signs of something other than simple brain fog which may require immediate medical care.

While MG itself doesn’t directly affect the brain, the fatigue and secondary effects can lead to brain fog. If brain fog worsens, discussing it with a doctor is essential to rule out medication side effects, sleep disorders, or other underlying issues.