Can a Concussion Cause Brain Fog?

If you’ve recently experienced a concussion and you’re still not thinking as clearly or as quickly as you normally do, this is a normal symptom. Many people say they experience “brain fog” after a concussion.

But still you wonder: can a concussion cause this? 

Absolutely. Brain fog is actually one of the most common symptoms of a concussion.

At A+ Athlete Sports Medicine in Robbinsville and Neptune, New Jersey, Adam Redlich, MD, and our team specialize in concussion treatment. Here’s what you should know about concussions and brain fog.

What is brain fog?

Brain fog is a general term used to describe a group of cognitive symptoms people experience after a concussion, including slowness in thinking, difficulty concentrating, and trouble remembering and learning new information.

It often pops up when you’re in a visually busy environment or you’re trying to figure something out and you can’t … quite … get … there. If you feel like you’re thinking more slowly, you’re right.

What causes brain fog?

If you experience  a concussion, you’re actually undergoing a mild traumatic brain injury. The jolt makes your brain move quickly and forcefully inside your skull. This can create chemical changes and damage your brain cells.

The neural networks that support your executive function and your attention are disrupted, and the blood flow to your brain is changed as well. You’re also dealing with some inflammation, sleep disturbances, and possibly some stress and anxiety.

All of these factors contribute to your brain fog as your brain struggles to accomplish tasks that are normally quick and easy. This fog can last for days, weeks, or even months.

How is brain fog treated?

If your symptoms haven’t cleared up by a few weeks after your concussion, it’s time to seek treatment, especially if the fog is interfering with your daily activities. There’s no magic bullet to automatically clear up your brain fog, but a few things do seem to help.

Regular exercise helps improve the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your brain so it can speed up the healing process. You should also make sure your nutrition and diet are healthy to encourage your body and brain to heal.

Cognitive rehabilitation exercises help you return to normal, and you should also make sure you’re reducing your stress and optimizing your sleep so you get proper rest.

The good news is that most people do see significant improvement in their brain fog symptoms over time. Everyone’s timeline for recovery will vary based on their age, the severity of the accident, their overall health, and other factors.

If you’re dealing with brain fog after a head injury, Dr. Redlich and our team at A+ Athlete Sports Medicine are here to help. Call the nearest office or use our online booking to schedule an appointment today.