Need something to help brain fog as I feel like I don't even want to be around other people anymore when this happens, which is everyday.
Have poor short term memory, word searching, and feel like everything is in slow motion and I just can't think and I can't remember what I read.
I don't have any hypercoagulation, tests all normal. Feel like there is not enough circulation to my brain, feel better after lying down. I also think all this is from having POTS and not high enough blood volume, have been drinking lots of salt water.
Please let me know it any supplements help like ginseng or ginko biloba. I know that there is a very low risk of intracranial hemorrhage with ginko because it causes platelet aggregation and already don't have any clotting issues.
Please tell any experiences. Thanks.
Posted by TerryK (Member # 8552) on :
There are many herbs and supplements that can help with brain fog but it really depends on what is causing the problem. I think many of us with lyme need extra choline but it could be other things as well.
You can also have brain fog if you are not eliminating toxins very well. Read this for a bit of information on detoxifying: Detoxifying your Body
Go directly to the left side under supplements if you don't want to read the technical details of detoxification. Most supplements listed here are non-herbal but there are a ton of herbals out there that are helpful for detoxification.
Heavy metals can also cause brain fog so you may want to look into that.
Sometimes a change in diet to remove refined sugar and high carb foods can make a huge difference in brain fog. Low carb type diets can be very helpful for pain as well as brain fog for some people.
There are many herbs that can help as well. Perhaps someone will come along with a list. If not, do a google search and you will find plenty of information.
Personally, I rely on muscle testing to find what I need but that requires that you find someone who is good at it to help you figure out what you need. Terry
Posted by TerryK (Member # 8552) on :
up for more suggestions
Posted by Carol B (Member # 9110) on :
I just started treatment within past two months-I was prescribed SAMe and Acetly L-Carntine by my LLMD specifically for brain fog. I think it helps.
Carol in MD.
Posted by Andie333 (Member # 7370) on :
Lola,
For me, antibiotic treatment helped a lot of my cognitive capabilities.
Acupuncture was also invaluable.
I agree that it's an awful thing to deal with, and I hope you're able to find something that works for you.
Andie
Posted by 5dana8 (Member # 7935) on :
Thanks Terry K
for the great link on brain supps. Posted by liz28 (Member # 4946) on :
My best prescriptions so far have been Provigil for the scattered-brainedness, and Celebrex for the inflammation.
My supplements are phosphatidylcholine, which delivers a powerful but temporary hit; theanine for the overheatedness; fresh refrigerated flaxseed oil with lignans; vinpocetine to increase oxygen flow to the brain (I tried it on a lark, and it caused a massive Lyme relapse by flushing all these bugs out in the open); and all the vitamins. Also, make sure you've got the best possible probiotics to combat yeast. Unfortunately, the cheap stuff just doesn't cut it.
Posted by Healing in Santa Cruz (Member # 7798) on :
Colonics, Coffee Enemas, Salt pipe, Reflexology, Salt&C Protocal. Lymestrategies.
Posted by mag (Member # 8920) on :
hi lola
i think most everyone can relate to the brain fog Are you on abx? are you following any detox protocol for the neuro-toxins? - -try neuraltherapy.com -look at the protocols Are you seeing an LLMD - did you have a spect scan done
Circulation in the brain must be difficult while the toxins are residing there- so I would be careful to stay away from anything that can increase blood coagulation :dehydration or alcohol.
I have had problems with coffee cause extreme headaches for me - mags
Posted by Lola (Member # 9129) on :
Thanks everyone for the advice. Terry- good brain supp link. Mag- yes am seeing llmd and I'm on antibiotics and detoxing already. Nobody answered my Q about ginseng or Ginko Biloba. Anyone try these?
Posted by LYMESCIENCE (Member # 9259) on :
I use Adderall and Cymbalta, it works great for me...... only if my Lyme is under control, if I'm in a bad herx, this does nothing. If the herx is minor, then this helps a lot. Goodluck, the brainfog can be a very difficult symptom to tolerate:)
Posted by mag (Member # 8920) on :
Hi Lola
ginseng makes me jumpy didn't want to have any more twitching than i have now
i do not take the ginko biloba - it can increase bleeding -which i already have with the babesia my two cents mags
Posted by pq (Member # 6886) on :
antibiotics
approx. 7-9days of artemisia and allicin cleared my 18month long severe brain fog.
rutozym, which contains nattokinase, and two othe r enzymes. gave me a slight, but significant jump in mental clarity and speed.
gingko is too tricky to use with lyme, at least for me, and it may be just the case in certain "phases" of lyme, and not others. best to check with others on this. gingko does not go well together with many medicines and, in particular, for an example, doxycycline.
Posted by snowflake (Member # 8950) on :
Hi Lola,
My LLMD suggested to me on my last visit to try a supplement called Cogamax. I bought a bottle but haven't taken it yet. (I keep forgetting!! LOL.)
The fog can be SOOO frustrating, I agree. I found my fog to be the worse at the beginning of treatment and now I rarely get that foggy feeling. My memory is definitely improving, although not where it should be yet.
When I feel cruddy I do notice some word switching but thankfully my family and friends understand I am sick and we all just laugh about it together.
Please don't isolate yourself because of this issue. It will only make you feel worse if you become a hermit in your home. You need to be around people to help keep your spirits up during your treatment. Try to surround yourself with positive people and ignore the stupid or negative remarks. If you flub up due to brain fog, just state simply what you really meant to say or explain you have a brain infection that sometimes causes lapses in memory. People will understand, so don't feel embarrassed.
Here's a funny... Yesterday I went to the mailbox and happened to get there at the same time the postal carrier was delivering the mail. Instead of calling him by his name, I said, "Hi Mailbox." I realized what I said and we both looked at each other and cracked up laughing. I literally had tears rolling down my face and he had the whole belly- shoulder laugh going. Because I have been honest and explained (briefly here and there) my illness to him, he understood why I called him a mailbox and took no offense. I guess I am at the point in my illness that if people don't want to accept it or acknowledge it then ### 'em.
Oh, I forgot what we were talking about. Oh yes, perhaps Cogamax. Let us know if it helps!!
Posted by luvs2ride (Member # 8090) on :
Homeopathy cleared my brain fog right up. Migraines too.
I was under the care of a LLMD who is also a certified homeopath and do not recommend doing it any other way.
Posted by Lola (Member # 9129) on :
Snowflake- what ingredients are in Cogamax and how does it work? That's a good one about the mailbox, I couldn't stop laughing.
Posted by JimBoB (Member # 8454) on :
I had terrible brain fog long before I started any treatment. abx did not help.
Herbs have helped a lot.
Cat's Claw, Devils Claw, Sarsaparilla, Andrographis, Resveratrol, etc.. all help some.
BUT I get the best results from Periwinkle tincture, and Stephania Root capsules. Helps with vision problems also.
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