Migraine Brain Fog
Migraine brain fog is real and fortunately temporary. Migraine is being recognized more for being more than a headache, but that is taking time. As we learn and increase awareness we have to have conversations about all the things that may impact the person with migraine’s life. However, during this stage of a migraine attack, one may feel anxious and exhausted at the same time. This is where continued empathy and compassion continue to be so valuable in this migraine life.
What is Migraine Brain Fog
Migraine brain fog can be a part of the stages of a migraine. There are four stages and not all people go through all stages. Read more about the specifics in my post Migraines 101. The four stages are prodrome, aura, attack, and postdrome. The American Migraine Foundation explains that brain fog can “occur up to 48 hours before and up to 24 hours after head pain.” It is this brain fog that can actually serve as a sign to the individual that a migraine attack is about to occur.
In addition to the brain fog affecting one prior to the pain, the American Migraine Foundation further explains that this brain fog can show up in what is commonly called the “migraine hangover”. For those of us that have experienced this, the term migraine hangover is a good analogy for what one endures. At first, a patient may feel relief that the pain is better.
However, that may be followed by exhaustion and the inability to think at your best. Fortunately, this brain fog is temporary and not something that changes a person or their abilities. It is something that the migraine sufferer learns to deal with. It is time we identified brain fog as part of the migraine and gave the migraine patients time to move through all stages.
How to Deal with Migraine Brain Fog
Sometimes providing yourself grace and rest is the best thing you can do for your health. It is tempting to want to jump back in after an attack and perhaps even make up for lost time. However, it is very important that the person with migraine does not rush so much that they find themselves magnifying lingering symptoms or even pushing themselves back into an attack.
The brain fog may make you feel like you are in slow motion or can’t quite put your thoughts together. Remember this is something that can be typical for some as a part of their migraine experience and you do not have to be alarmed. With time and rest these symptoms will subside. If things continue or seem to worsen, checking in with your doctor is always a good idea.
My Personal Experience
As a teacher and mom, sitting out additional time does not feel like a good choice. However, I have learned the hard way that if I don’t give myself the time I need to rest I will pay the price. That means if I am in an exhausted state and can’t quite think yet, I need to take a little time to rest. Otherwise, I may push myself into another attack. So put on your eye mask if needed and let your body heal. Just giving yourself a slower start back to your daily activities can be helpful too.
Then you will be stronger in the days that follow. As you come out of the fog, you can get into your normal routine. Mine includes hugging my boys and brewing my coffee, which I am stuck on Koa right now. As I do get back in my routine I still have to remember that a migraine attack has just happened and to be sure I avoid triggers and give myself grace. Beyond that you have a life to live and migraine does not get to steal that.
What does brain fog actually feel like? In my experience, I may be trying to put my thoughts together and know that what I am coming up with is not 100 percent. This can feel very discouraging and even paralyzing at times. The key is not to let it get you down or ruin your day. This is why giving yourself grace and moving forward at your own pace is so valuable.
It isn’t your fault and it is going to get better. In the grand scheme of things it is short-lived and many will not even notice. This is just some of the fun or challenge of migraine life.
How Do I Explain Migraine Brain Fog to Others?
Honesty really is the best policy here. There is no reason to feel ashamed. As mentioned this is not the person living with migraine’s fault and it is very short-lived. It should also be noticed that brain fog does not mean an inability to do one’s daily responsibilities. This simply refers to some additional challenges that the migraine sufferer endures. This is what makes people with migraines a group of people who learn to persevere and appreciate pain-free days.
So, share with family, friends, and coworkers that a migraine attack is approaching or the last stage of your migraine may slow you down a bit. However, you are committed to taking care of yourself and keeping them in the loop. You can also assure them that you will reach out if you need time to rest and ask for compassion as this is a part of your life.
This makes you who you are and who you are as a person living as a migraine warrior. I had a very wise person share that with me at my school. When you find those people hold onto their words and their friendships.
Stay Connected
Thank you for visiting migraineroad. Migraine can be an illness that isolates. Here you will find resources and encouragement. Feel free to reach out through the contact page and join our Facebook Group. Migraine is a beast, but it can be contained.
Check out my post on Tracking Migraine Attacks or Best Jobs for People with Migraine.
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Disclaimer
Although we strive to provide accurate general information, the information presented here is not a substitute for any kind of professional advice, and you should not rely solely on this information. Always consult a professional in the medical and health area for your particular needs and circumstances prior to making any medical or health-related decisions. For your health-related questions, please seek the advice of a licensed physician or any other qualified healthcare provider immediately.
Source
Migraine, brain fog and memory loss: How they affect you. American Migraine Foundation. (2022b, November 29). https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/migraine-brain-fog/#:~:text=People%20with%20migraine%20may%20experience,noting%20that%20they%20are%20common.
I didn’t realize that migraine fog was such a thing and learned so much from this post.
I am fortunate not to get migraines but I do periodically get brain fog and it is no joke. Thanks for always shedding some light!
Migraine is really bad and brain fog is worst. I have experienced it few times. But thanks God this is not permanent
Thank you for sharing you journey. My dad is a stroke survivor and has some similar issues so this was super helpful.
My friend suffers with migraines and the brain fog is the worst bit for her!
I didn’t think there was a term for it!!! I’ve been dealing with migraines for years and never know the brain fog was a common symptom of it. I learned a lot from this post!
Wow! Great article, definitely helpful! Migraines are hard and brain fog is real, never seen it laid out like this before. Thank you for sharing!
Never heard of this as a migraine hangover but holy moly spot on, great tips thank you!
Wow, I didn’t know there was 4 stages of a migraine. There is so much more to it than people realize!
I get the brain fog after migraines, I call it migraine hangover. The worst!
I have found being honest with people is the best solution when trying to explain brain fog.
Your blogs like this offer useful information that can help and give hope to people going through the same experience. Keep up the great work!
I have been fortunate enough to not experience migraine often but I’ve experienced brain fog often. This post is so insightful, thanks for this post.
This post is so educative. Thank you for this awesome article now I know what a brain fog is.
You’ve explained it in a way I’ve not been able to so thank you! It’s the worst and thankfully I have supportive people around but using this article I’ll be able to explain it better. Thank you
Your hope is to support and encourage and that you do!!!
I deal with some MS brain fog at times too. Not pleasant. It took me awhile to figure out that is what it was.
I love that you talk about holding onto your people and their words. It’s a beautiful thing to find those people.
Thank you as always for this!!!
Great info! Thank you for sharing!
I think there’s a lot of misunderstanding around migraines so it’s great there is more and more awareness! Taking the time you need to get through it is so important.
Your posts are so very helpful with those that suffer from migraines as well as those that don’t. It helps to understand all of the stages and what people go through before and after suffering from a migraine. I was not aware of the brain fog portion of these awful headaches!
Wow how interesting, never knew this could happen!
Great information. Tying brain fog and migraines make sense. It can be so difficult when dealing with brain fog and migraines. Thank you for sharing. 🤗
Pastor Natalie (ExamineThisMoment)
Letstakemoment.com
I get such bad headaches, I hate it
I’m not sure if I’ve had a brain fog before. I could have and missed it! My main issue is my right eye 🙁 I never knew about this before reading this! Interesting and should be more awareness about it.
I always get this before my migraines, but never knew the term brain fog. I always learn such helpful information from your posts. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
For times like this, I can imagine being around people you trust really would be so valuable. Thank you for sharing! It really could be no joke.
I’ve been through the brain fog but not with the Migraine. This is going to help a lot of people. Thank you for sharing!