There have been many posts on this topic since I joined the forum almost 8 years ago. Most of us have referred to it as “brain fog” & one could do a search under that name. I still have it, although not as bad as in the worst stages of my CIDP, where I couldn’t remember names of simple objects such as a coffe table or window shade. I believe it isn’t actual brain damage, just that as the nerves & muscles get fatigued, so does the brain. As the day wears on, & the fatigue sets in worse (I always have the fatigue to some extent), I believe the brain is a muscle & gets as tired as do the others. I guess sleep & rest are the only thing that makes it better for me…

I used to teach math & English before my illness, now I ask my husband how to spell words; cannot even think of what things are called at times. I used to blame it all on neurontin, but now I am convinced it is related to CIDP. I also know that it is much worse later in the day, probably as fatigue sets in. I don’t have any answers for you, just my thoughts.

Just blame it on the CIDP and the meds! Forget what you are saying in the middle of a sentence? Both. Worse for me is that I have not read a complete book since my onset…I used to read 4-7 a week even when I was working full time! I have trouble focusing on a newspaper even…I think it’s the touch aspect…fingers on page, turning page. Can’t feel page to turn it now.

Lucky for me, the computer screen hasn’t been a problem. I just wish there were more things available in plain old print to read on the net.

For me at first, I really don’t know which was worse, the pain or the medications for the pain. It took some tinkering, not a lot as for some to get what works for me to work. When I switched to my last med 2-1/2 years ago, I got my brain back. I’ll take pain killers when needed, but only then. I find now I only get ‘foggy’ when overtired, stressed or when I miss a pill. The last event is one I do NOT recommend.

Oh my, there really are lots of people with this. Up here in the North country we call them Brain Farts. Diane