Brain Fog - What I Need Others Around Me to Know

By Autumn Herald

3 min read

I woke up struggling. A long night of storms made for little sleep and lots of pain. Thunderstorms are my worst psoriatic arthritis (PsA) weather flare. I wanted to stay home from work, but it was payroll processing day. If I didn't go in, no one got paid. So, I pressed on.

Then, it happened. My husband said something to me... and it didn't make sense. I heard words, but no cohesive thought. I couldn't comprehend what he said. He just didn't make sense. But, it wasn't him. It was me. I just stared at him. He said more words, but it still did not make any sense to me. Then, I panicked. I knew something was wrong. I thought I was losing my mind. I thought I was having a major medical problem. I broke down and started crying. I remember saying, "I don't know what you just said. Your words don't make sense to me and I'm scared." At least, that's what I thought I said. I'm really not sure if that's what came out of my mouth.

Brain fog and psoriatic arthritis

It is hard to describe to someone who has never experienced PsA brain fog just what it is like. It is not just an occasional slip in memory. When I have brain fog, I am impaired. My thoughts, my movements, my feelings, my expressions – they can all be impacted by brain fog. I may sit for minutes trying to think of a simple word or the name of the object in my hand. There are times I can't drive because I can't concentrate on the road. I can't focus on conversations enough to contribute or recall information. Simple math is beyond me. Sometimes, I can't remember how to operate the microwave.

Brain fog occurs when my brain is recovering from overstimulation due to pain and swelling. It feels like wet blankets thrown on my head – heavy, weighed-down, pushing on my head and drowning my vision. I can't peel them off, no matter how hard I try. The only good part about brain fog is that it eventually goes away. Once my brain has had enough recovery time, I'm back to normal.

Weather as a trigger

I've had enough PsA weather flares to anticipate brain fog and plan accordingly. I try to let those around me know when I have brain fog so I will not concern them if my behavior seems off. But, I also share this information with them to let them know there are things I need from them while my brain is recovering.

How others can help when I'm experiencing brain fog

Patience – I am not ignoring you. I simply cannot process things right now. Conversation and tasks are a serious struggle. You may not see it, but I am really concentrating hard just to be here. Please, have patience with me.

Time – I am not putting you off. I am not making up my inability. I am incapacitated right now. It won't last. If you can give me time, I'll be back to myself soon.

Rest – I will still try to do, go, and be, but I will not be at my best. What I need is to let my brain stop processing information for a while and simply rest. Allow me to do what I feel up to doing until the fog lifts.

Quiet – I may pass up stimulating activities that involve noise or action. It's not that I don't want to participate, but my brain has already been overstimulated and cannot handle any more. Please, care for me enough to let me be quiet for a bit. I'll join in when I have recovered.

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Mary Lynn Member
 I loved reading this. I have read it 3 times. It describes flare life and brain fog perfectly. My husband and I went out for lunch while I was flaring. He asked me a simple question. Crickets. He asked again a bit more forcefully. I did my best to explain that in order to answer his question, I had to bubble back up to the surface. I was weighed down by pain and intense fatigue. Like sitting upright was work. He's now much better at recognizing when I'm in a flare. He treats me gently until I am ready to fully function again. I'll tell you though that for me, the brain fog is the worst part of a flare. It's like the real me disappears. 
1. Vickie Wilkerson Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Mary Lynn" user-id="4513411"/> I am glad your husband is more understanding now. I know that makes it easier. However, I do feel exactly like you do in that the brain fog makes me disappear and it's so frustrating. Vickie W., Team Member
Ron K Member
I've been a member for well over a year this is the first I heard of this THANKS now I know what I have been going thru. Just the other day I was telling my wife how for the past couple of years there are times I just don't know what she is saying. Anything I should tell my doctor? 
1. CathyD Moderator
 Hi <inline-mention username="Ron K" user-id="6776348"/>, we're so glad that you found <inline-mention username="Autumn Herald" user-id="8319068"/>'s Story helpful. I think a lot of us can relate to these struggles with brain fog. If you're interested in reading more about psoriatic arthritis and brain fog, the following search of our website should bring up any relevant posts: https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/search?s=brain%20fog If you haven't done so already, we would encourage you to discuss this with your doctor. They might want to check that nothing else is going on/whether there's anything they can do that might help with your symptoms. I hope there's some comfort in knowing that you're not alone in experiencing this. Best wishes, -Catherine, Community Moderator
Diane T Moderator & Contributor
Hello <inline-mention username="Autumn Herald" user-id="8319068"/> , 30 years ago, we never heard of this. When I tried to explain to my doctors what was going on they suggested I talked to a psychiatrist. I am so happy this is finally coming to the forefront. People would laugh at me for writing notes and getting lost going to the store. I loved what you said - just be patient. Thanks for sharing. Diane (Team Member)