Did you know that even though one of the most common signs of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is pain and discomfort that can range all over the body, the condition can also cause memory problems for as many as 80% of FMS patients?
This aspect of FMS is so common that many providers and patients refer to it as “fibro fog.” You may be experiencing fibro fog if you have FMS and are experiencing trouble following conversations, difficulty recalling words, and other symptoms associated with your memory.
At Raleigh Spine and Pain Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, our board-certified neurologist and pain expert Daljit S. Buttar, MD, specializes in helping FMS patients manage their fibromyalgia symptoms, including memory problems.
If you think you’re struggling with fibro fog, here’s what you need to know about the link between fibromyalgia and memory problems and the ways we can help.
Fibromyalgia syndrome is a chronic pain condition that can cause many symptoms. Symptoms vary from person to person and may involve a range of issues, including:
FMS affects women more often than men, and it can last a lifetime. There is no cure, but the condition isn’t progressive, meaning the symptoms don’t get worse over time. As a result, an effective treatment can bring lasting relief.
Medical researchers are still researching the reason some people develop FMS, but they theorize multiple factors are involved in its development. One of the main theories concerns amplified pain sensations due to faulty brain and spinal cord signaling.
Sometimes FMS develops in association with another condition that affects the musculoskeletal system, such as rheumatoid arthritis or temporomandibular disorder.
Researchers also believe genetics may play a role, especially when considered alongside a trigger. Triggers mean FMS symptoms start after a physical or psycho-emotional trigger, including events such as:
It’s important to understand not everyone with FMS experiences a trigger. In these cases, the symptoms seem to build over time.
The exact reasons FMS and memory problems are linked are also being studied. Some researchers believe that fibro fog results from the symptoms FMS causes, such as poor sleep and chronic pain.
While studies show FMS patients don’t have structural differences in the areas of the brain associated with memory or functional issues with memory, there’s no doubt many FMS patients experience a loss of mental clarity, including issues such as:
The mental symptoms associated with FMS can also mean impaired judgment, slowed or altered speech, and difficulty completing simple cognitive tasks.
Although neither FMS nor fibro fog has a cure, the good news is that medical research shows that memory issues can improve by addressing the other symptoms. At Raleigh Spine and Pain Center, Dr. Buttar discusses your symptoms with you to create a personalized fibromyalgia treatment plan.
For patients with fibro fog, your plan may include a focus on improving sleep and physical activity. Improved sleep can make it easier to manage chronic pain and help you feel sharper mentally.
Dr. Buttar may recommend changes to sleep hygiene, such as creating a bedtime routine and avoiding caffeine after noon. Dr. Buttar may suggest sleep medication for patients struggling to sleep.
Studies show physical exercise helps boost memory and improves cognitive function while also greatly enhancing sleep quality and duration of sleep in people with FMS. While chronic pain can make exercise challenging, Dr. Buttar can help with effective pain management therapies.
You don’t have to struggle with fibromyalgia and brain fog! Get the help you need by scheduling an appointment online or over the phone at Raleigh Spine and Pain Center.
