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Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Physician explains brain fog isn't just fatigue: Here's what post Covid 19 patients should know
Back in October 2020, amid the Covid-19 pandemic, The New York Times reported that brain fog is defined by memory loss, confusion, difficulty focusing, dizziness, and even having trouble speaking everyday words. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Anand Kalaskar, general physician, Apollo Clinic, Nigdi explained how brain fog can have detrimental impacts on everyday life. Also read | Say goodbye to brain fog: Diet plan for sharper focus, memory and mental clarity Brain fog is a common condition characterised by cognitive impairment such as difficulty concentrating, memory issues, and decreased mental clarity, among others. (Pexels) What is brain fog and what are its symptoms? Dr Kalaskar said, 'Brain fog is a nonprofessional term commonly used to describe a set of cognitive symptoms that include lapses in memory, difficulty with concentration, mental sluggishness, and reduced thought clarity.' This brain fog reportedly affects people who have had mild Covid-19 symptoms as well as those who experienced severe symptoms — it ranges. Dr Kalaskar added, 'In post-Covid-19 patients, brain fog is typically presented as forgetfulness, word-finding difficulty, slowing of processing speed, or persistent mental fatigue. The patients experience themselves as working in a fog and having difficulty focusing or getting things done effectively. The symptoms persist for weeks or months after recovery from acute infection.' Brain fog vs tiredness According to Dr Kalaskar, benign tiredness or fatigue usually resolves with rest, is not notably impairing cognition, and is generally nonspecific. Conversely, he said, neurological impairment from Covid-19 'usually includes objective cognitive impairments such as compromised memory, attentional impairment, disorientation, or executive dysfunction'. 'Clinically, if a patient presents with persistent cognitive impairment interfering with work or activities of daily living, particularly if these are accompanied by headache, dizziness, sleep, or mood change, neurological assessment is warranted. Even in patients with mild illness, brain fog can occur, and so complaints of cognition should not be written off as simple tiredness,' Dr Kalaskar said. Dr Kalaskar added that post-Covid-19, brain fog has been thought to be due to prolonged neuroinflammation provoked by a hyperimmune reaction to infection. 'Microvascular damage – micro clots or endothelial dysfunction – has also been thought to incapacitate oxygen and nutrient supply to brain tissue. Central nervous system invasion by the virus, blood-brain barrier disruption, and autonomic nervous system dysregulation have also been proposed. Mental issues like anxiety, depression, and post-viral fatigue also add to these symptoms,' he said. Can you get tested for brain fog? Dr Kalaskar shared that neurologists resort to 'a combination of clinical evaluation, cognitive screening tests, and imaging when necessary'. Routine tests are the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) or Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) for memory, attention, and executive function, he said. 'In some cases, more detailed neuropsychological testing is indicated. MRI or functional MRI can be advised to exclude structural changes or vascular illness. Blood tests for inflammatory markers, thyroid function, vitamin B12, and D-dimer can be used to exclude other etiologies. Referral to a multidisciplinary long Covid-19 clinic may be indicated in severe or prolonged cases,' Dr Kalaskar said. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Hindustan Times
05-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Vaccines can cause the disease? Doctor busts 5 myths about vaccination, shares facts
Vaccination is a vital preventive measure that helps protect against potentially life-threatening diseases. It acts as a shield, preparing the body to fight infections effectively. However, widespread misconceptions and misinformation often lead people to hesitate or avoid getting vaccinated, putting their health at risk. Also read | Vaccine misinformation: A lasting side effect from Covid In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Anusuya Shetty, physician at Apollo Clinic in Koramangala busted several myths associated with vaccines. Fact: Extensive research shows vaccines do not cause autism, and vaccinated children develop autism at the same rate as non-vaccinated children. Numerous big, well-controlled studies involving more than a million children discovered no link between immunizations and autism. The scientific consensus is unequivocal: vaccinations are safe and do not cause autism. Fact: Live vaccines use weakened viruses or bacteria to safely train and strengthen the immune system. These microorganisms do not cause disease, but they do help the body produce antibodies for future protection. Mild symptoms may appear, but they are normally innocuous unless the individual has a weakened immune system. Virus shedding is uncommon and unlikely to infect others; immunisation protects vulnerable individuals. Also read | New vaccine offers broad protection against coronaviruses that haven't even emerged yet: Study Fact: The public can distinguish between legitimate vaccine information and misinformation online by evaluating the source of information, the publication date, and whether the item was written by a competent medical professional. Fact: Vaccine content on social media frequently supports anti-vaccine narratives, which receive more attention than pro-vaccine comments. According to studies, misinformation spreads rapidly, particularly during large events such as disease outbreaks, and is magnified by bots and trolls. These inorganic accounts can establish a misleading equilibrium between pro- and anti-vaccine positions. As a result, social media can amplify misinformation and undermine effective public health messaging. Fact: The flu vaccine cannot give you the flu since it includes a dead virus. Any symptoms, such as a hurting arm or weariness, are transient and unrelated to influenza. The vaccine is completely safe and does not cause disease. Also read | Heart attack cases not rising due to Covid vaccine, but stress and other traditional factors, says cardiologist Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
