Brain Fog: Causes & Treatment by Telehealth

After a head injury: a worsening headache, repeated vomiting, confusion, unusual drowsiness or weakness needs emergency care. Call 911.

Brain fog has causes, and they can be found

Brain fog is one of the most common reasons high-performing adults seek help. It usually isn’t one thing. Sleep, hormones, blood sugar, inflammation, the gut, environmental exposures and past head injuries can all contribute, and several often overlap.

Common contributors

Poor or disrupted sleep and chronic stress
Hormone changes: thyroid, menopause, low testosterone
Long COVID and ME/CFS
Mold and other environmental exposures, and mast cell activation
Gut problems and nutrient deficiencies
Concussion and post-concussion syndrome

How Dr. Madeira approaches brain fog & concussion recovery

Find the drivers with a detailed history and targeted labs.
Protect the foundations: sleep, blood-sugar balance, nutrition and stress.
Support the brain with personalized nutritional and botanical medicine and nervous system support.
Coordinate care with neurology, vestibular or physical therapy and other specialists after concussion when needed.

From The Dr. Madeira Show

Listen and learn more

Episode 63 · 83 min
Concussion recovery tips
with Dr. Mark Heisig
Listen to episode 63 →
Episode 46 · 58 min
Concussion Rescue
with Dr. Kabran Chapek, ND
Listen to episode 46 →
Episode 42 · 87 min
A TBI case study
with Dr. Paul Anderson, NMD
Listen to episode 42 →
Episode 54 · 56 min
Brain health and preventing neurodegeneration
with Dr. Greg Eckel
Listen to episode 54 →

Frequently asked questions

What causes brain fog?

Brain fog is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Common contributors include poor sleep, hormone changes (thyroid, menopause, low testosterone), blood-sugar swings, nutrient deficiencies, Long COVID, mold and other environmental exposures, mast cell activation, gut problems, chronic stress and concussion.

What is post-concussion syndrome?

Post-concussion syndrome describes concussion symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, brain fog, sleep problems and mood changes that persist well beyond the usual recovery period.

Can a naturopathic doctor help with concussion recovery?

Yes, as part of a team. Dr. Madeira focuses on sleep, nutrition, inflammation, hormones and nervous system support, and coordinates with neurologists, physical therapists and other specialists when needed. He has a personal history of recovering from a head injury.

When is a head injury an emergency?

Seek emergency care right away for a worsening headache, repeated vomiting, confusion, unusual drowsiness, slurred speech, weakness or numbness, seizures, or loss of consciousness.

Can I be seen by telehealth?

Yes. Dr. Madeira sees adults by secure video who are located in Arizona, Montana or Washington.

This page is general education, not medical advice, and does not create a doctor–patient relationship.

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Telemedicine for adults in Arizona, Montana & Washington.