Dr. Sam Madeira, NMD
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    Brain fog & concussion recovery

    Brain fog: causes & treatment

    When your mind feels slow, foggy or “off,” and you depend on it to perform, you want answers. Dr. Sam Madeira, NMD helps adults in Arizona, Montana and Washington find what’s behind brain fog and recover after concussion, by telehealth.

    Book a free discovery callHow telemedicine care works

    Free · 30 minutes · by Zoom · no obligation

    Medically reviewed by Dr. Sam Madeira, NMD, licensed naturopathic physician · Updated

    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

    How Dr. Madeira approaches brain fog & concussion recovery

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

    From The Dr. Madeira Show

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    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.

    What if brain fog hasn’t cleared months after a concussion?

    You’re not alone. Large studies of adults with mild brain injury found that thinking problems and other symptoms can last many months, and sometimes a year or more.34 Start by checking in with your doctor, who may involve a neurologist or a concussion clinic. Sleep, mood and other health factors can keep brain fog going, and these can be looked at too.5

    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?

    Call 911 for any of the warning signs listed on this page, or for slurred speech, numbness, seizures or loss of consciousness.

    Can I be seen by telehealth?

    Yes. Dr. Madeira sees adults by secure video or phone who live in Arizona, Montana or Washington and are in one of those states during each visit.

    Sources

    1. MedlinePlus (NIH): Concussion
    2. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (NIH): Traumatic brain injury
    3. Nelson et al. (JAMA Neurology, 2019): Recovery after mild traumatic brain injury in patients presenting to US level I trauma centers (TRACK-TBI, 1,154 adults with mild TBI)
    4. Schneider et al. (Neurology, 2022): Cognitive outcome 1 year after mild traumatic brain injury (TRACK-TBI, 656 adults with mild TBI)
    5. McGee et al. (Neurotrauma Reports, 2025): The interaction of sleep and mood during recovery from mild traumatic brain injury (TRACK-TBI, 1,557 adults with mild TBI)
    6. Hampshire et al. (New England Journal of Medicine, 2024): Cognition and memory after Covid-19 in a large community sample (112,964 adults)
    7. Patricios et al. (British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2023): Consensus statement on concussion in sport, 6th International Conference, Amsterdam 2022

    Telemedicine care for adults in Arizona, Montana and Washington.

    Related: Long COVID · Mold illness · Gut health

    Thinking about next steps? See how care works, programs and pricing and patient reviews, or browse the frequently asked questions.

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    “Dr. Madeira is compassionate and truly listens. He takes the time to look beyond band-aid solutions and digs deeper to look at the root cause.”

    Dr. Shelly Sethi, D.O.

    From Google reviews. Individual experiences and results vary.

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    Ready to think clearly again?

    Book a free 30-minute discovery call with Dr. Madeira. We’ll start with your why: what you want your health and life to look like, what’s been getting in the way, and whether working together feels right for you.

    • 30 minutes by Zoom, free, with no obligation
    • We talk about your goals and what’s been getting in the way
    • A non-clinical conversation: no diagnosis or treatment yet
    • For adults who live in Arizona, Montana or Washington
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    Concierge, private-pay practice (no insurance accepted) · 100% telemedicine for adults in Arizona, Montana & Washington.