The Difference Between Brain Fog and Forgetfulness by S.E. Carson

Many people who live with invisible illnesses such as (Panhypopituitarism, FIbromyalgia, MS) or chronic pain often experience Brain Fog.

It's not that a person is being forgetful but they are dealing with physical symptoms which makes life harder to function. Amazing, intelligent people who are doing the best they can.

Remember how impossibly exhausting it was to run your meeting the last time you went to work sick? Brain fog is a lot like that, except it persists. A fog can linger for several days, sometimes even weeks.

Please read the article below. It may help raise awareness for people who don't often speak up for themselves and identify as having health issues. Sometimes it may take them longer to reply but please be patient and not dismiss them, show empathy instead of disdain.

One day it could be you.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BRAIN FOG AND FORGETFULNESS  

BY S.E. CARLSON

MRI scans and Results - May 2011

In 1983 I was diagnosed with panhypopituitarism with a multiple malfunction of the pituitary system.

In 1992 I was sent for an Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan of my brain. I travelled up to Sydney with my Mother with great fear and anxiety that the cause of my panhypopituitarism was due to a brain tumour.

In April 2011 my inability to cope with my moodswings, fibromyalgia, depression meant that I had admitted myself for professional care at Mirrabook, Shellharbour Hospital Mental Health Services. I needed to re-establish a balance of chemicals in the brain and develop the ability to reset my system. It is like shutting down a computer that is sluggish and not working properly.

My brain functions, Obsessive Complulsive Disorder, addiction to researching meant that my brain just couldn't cope when my insomnia caused a manic phase. I was put on Zyprexa for depression and Lamatrogine for mood swings - medications that help me to moderate my moodswings and reduce my Asperger meltdowns. I was sent for an MRI scan of my brain whilst a patient.

You can view the images in the Flickr slideshow. All images are available for distribution under a Creative Commons License.

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2349/5764424387_062618d551_b_d.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/25056484@N00/5763542074