Brain Fog After COVID-19: Why It Happens and How to Recover
If you’re feeling like your brain just isn’t working the way it used to after COVID-19—you’re not alone. Many people experience what’s commonly called brain fog, where focusing, remembering things, or even thinking clearly feels harder than before. It can be frustrating, but the good news is that your brain can recover. It just takes time and the right approach.
Let’s talk about why this happens and what you can do to help your brain heal.
Why Does COVID-19 Cause Brain Fog?
Your brain isn’t struggling for no reason—there are real biological and physiological reasons behind this. COVID-19 can affect brain function in several ways, including:
1. Inflammation in the Brain
- When you had COVID, your immune system worked hard to fight the virus, but sometimes it overreacts. This can lead to neuroinflammation, which interferes with normal brain activity.
- In some cases, the immune system releases too many inflammatory chemicals (cytokines), which can damage nerve cells and impact memory, focus, and mental clarity.
2. Reduced Blood Flow and Oxygen to the Brain
- COVID-19 can affect circulation, leading to less blood and oxygen reaching the brain. Since oxygen is essential for brain function, this can make it harder to think clearly.
- If your lungs were affected, oxygen levels in your body may have dropped temporarily, and your brain may still be recovering from that.
3. Hormonal Imbalances
- COVID-19 can disrupt hormone levels, including thyroid hormones, cortisol (stress hormone), and sex hormones—all of which play a role in brain function.
- Ongoing stress from illness can also affect mental clarity and energy levels.
4. Psychological and Emotional Stress
- Being sick, especially with a virus like COVID-19, can be mentally exhausting. Anxiety, depression, and stress can make it harder to concentrate and remember things.
- Many people also struggle with sleep after COVID, and poor sleep slows down brain recovery.
Who Is More Likely to Experience Brain Fog?
Anyone can develop brain fog after COVID-19, but some people are at higher risk:
- Women (possibly due to hormonal differences)
- Older adults
- People with pre-existing conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure
- Those who had severe COVID-19 symptoms
- Individuals with Long COVID (symptoms lasting more than 3 months)
What Are the Symptoms?
Brain fog can feel different for everyone, but common symptoms include:
- Difficulty concentrating – Feeling like your mind is slower or foggy.
- Forgetfulness – Struggling to recall things that used to come easily.
- Mental fatigue – Thinking takes extra effort, and you may feel mentally drained.
- Headaches – Some people experience persistent or tension-related headaches.
- Mood changes – Feeling more irritable, anxious, or even depressed.
- Sleep disturbances – Trouble falling or staying asleep, or waking up still feeling tired.
- Physical fatigue – Feeling exhausted even after resting.
How Can We Treat Brain Fog?
There’s no instant cure, but there are ways to support your brain’s healing process. The key is giving your brain what it needs to recover.
1. Prioritize Sleep and Rest
- Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
- Stick to a consistent sleep schedule—going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.
- Avoid long daytime naps (more than 30 minutes), as they can interfere with nighttime sleep.
2. Eat for Brain Health
- Include plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats (like omega-3s from fish).
- Cut down on processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats, which can contribute to inflammation.
- Stay hydrated—dehydration can slow down brain function.
3. Exercise Regularly
- Aerobic activities like walking, swimming, or cycling improve blood flow to the brain.
- Start light and gradually increase intensity—even 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week can make a difference.
- Exercise also helps regulate mood and sleep, which are key for brain recovery.
4. Train Your Brain
- Engage in memory exercises, reading, or problem-solving activities to keep your brain active.
- Mindfulness and meditation (even just 10-20 minutes a day) can improve focus and mental clarity.
5. Manage Stress and Mental Health
- Find relaxation techniques that work for you—whether it’s listening to music, reading, or practicing yoga.
- Stay socially connected—talking to friends or family can help improve mood and cognitive function.
- If stress or anxiety becomes overwhelming, consider talking to a therapist or counselor.
Brain Stimulation Therapy: A New Option for Brain Fog
For some patients, we’ve seen promising results with brain stimulation therapy, particularly Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS).
How Does Brain Stimulation Work?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
- TMS uses pulsed magnetic fields to stimulate brain areas responsible for memory, focus, and mood.
- It helps increase brain activity, boost neurotransmitters, and improve cognitive function.
- Many patients also notice better sleep and reduced anxiety or depression after TMS.
Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS)
- TPS delivers ultrasound-based pulses to stimulate deep brain structures, particularly the hippocampus, which plays a key role in memory.
- It increases blood flow, supports nerve repair, and improves brain function.
- Initially developed for Alzheimer’s disease, TPS is now being studied for brain fog and post-COVID cognitive issues.
Both TMS and TPS are non-invasive, painless, and require no recovery time, making them a great option for those struggling with long-term brain fog.
We have been treating brain fog for many years, and many of our patients—including doctors, engineers, CEOs and student—report significantly faster cognitive recovery, often noticing substantial improvements within 2 to 4 weeks.
What’s Next?
Your brain needs time to heal, but the right approach can help speed up recovery and get you back to feeling like yourself.
If brain fog is interfering with your daily life, we can discuss personalized treatment options, including brain stimulation therapy if needed. Let’s find the best path forward for you.
