Following a traumatic brain injury after an accident, you could face a variety of symptoms, including headaches, cognition difficulties and brain fog. Brain fog or mental fatigue, according to Brainline, decreases your memory, recall and concentration.
While many people can experience brain fog when tired or overworked, the type of mental fatigue you experience due to a TBI is different.
Symptoms of brain fog
Brain fog or neuro fatigue can manifest through difficulties taking in new information or following directions. During a conversation, you may find yourself trailing off because you cannot remember your train of thought. Likewise, you might have difficulties paying attention for long periods of time. It is normal to feel exhausted and overwhelmed when dealing with a traumatic brain injury.
Your experience with neuro fatigue can impact how you perform daily tasks, including cooking, cleaning and socializing.
TBI’s impact on brain fog
You may have post-concussive syndrome if you experience brain fog for two months or more following a traumatic brain injury. After your injury, your brain usually has to work harder to process information and function. The brain has to use more cells and consume more energy to complete tasks or thoughts.
Patients with injuries that cause brain fog have to pace themselves. The brain has to heal on its own and cannot do that if you push it too hard or too far. You have to give your mind time to rest and remember that it does not function as it once did pre-injury.
