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What is Fibro Fog?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on May 25, 2023.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Fibro fog is a kind of mental fogginess that occurs in 50% to 80% of patients with fibromyalgia. It can lead to an inability to focus, pay attention, concentrate on mental tasks, and trouble with memory.

Fibro fog may also be called "brain fog". You may mix up words, forget details or lose your train of thought. Some people have trouble remembering new information, thinking quickly or staying alert. Items you own may get lost or misplaced.

Many patients rank the mental cloudiness symptoms called fibro fog as more distressing than the pain associated with fibromyalgia, and it can negatively impact quality of life.

What causes these symptoms is not exactly known. Fatigue may contribute to these symptoms, but experts have not found a direct cause-and-effect relationship between lack of sleep and these symptoms. Other causes are related to excessive pain perception and hormonal and metabolite changes in the brain

Up to one third of fibromyalgia patients also suffer from other mental health issues, such as:

  • depression
  • anxiety
  • irritability or mood swings

What triggers fibro fog?

Even though it is not proven as a sole cause, many experts suggest lack of restorative sleep as a cause of fibromylagia symptoms like fibro fog. You might consult with your doctor to work on treating sleeping problems, depression or other mood disorders, fatigue and chronic pain to help improve your fibro fog symptoms.

In addition, most clinicians recommend a daily routine of exercise to help with sleep and chronic pain. Tai Chi and yoga have been shown to be helpful, too. You might seek out the help a physical therapist to ease into physical activity if it's been a while. Always follow the directions of your healthcare provider.

This is not all the information you need to know about this condition for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

References
  • Kravitz HM, Katz RS. Fibrofog and fibromyalgia: a narrative review and implications for clinical practice. Rheumatol Int. 2015 Jul;35(7):1115-25. doi: 10.1007/s00296-014-3208-7. 
  • Ibraheem W, Mckenzie S, Wilcox-Omubo V, et al. Pathophysiology and Clinical Implications of Cognitive Dysfunction in Fibromyalgia. Cureus. 2021 Oct 29;13(10):e19123. doi: 10.7759/cureus.19123. 
  • Fibromyalgia. Medline Plus. National Library of Medicine. Accesed May 25, 2023 at https://medlineplus.gov/fibromyalgia.html
  • Fibro Fog. Arthritis Foundation. Accesed May 25, 2023 at https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/more-about/fibro-fog
  • Tai Chi Beats Aerobics for Fibromyalgia Pain. Drugs.com. March 22, 2018.
  • Fibromylagia. The US Centers for Disease Contol and Prevention (CDC). Accessed May 25, 2023 at https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/fibromyalgia.htm

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