🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 167 (from laksa169)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa167.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/feeling-foggy-how-to-fight-post-covid-brain-fog/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/feeling-foggy-how-to-fight-post-covid-brain-fog/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/feeling-foggy-how-to-fight-post-covid-brain-fog\/","crawl_time":1775960821,"first_indexed_time":1645467516,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"org,umiamihealth!news,\/en\/feeling-foggy-how-to-fight-post-covid-brain-fog\/ s443","src_root_hash":"14433733095000654167","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Feeling Foggy? How to Fight Post-COVID Brain Fog | UHealth Collective","meta_descriptions":["We are constantly learning more about COVID and its aftereffects. Brain fog is appearing in more and more instances of long COVID."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Advancements\nDriving Discoveries\nExperts in academic medical research, innovate and shape the future of health care.\nView\nAll\nBalance\nMindfulness\nEmotional health is as important as physical health. Learn how to stay balanced mentally and thrive.\nView\nAll\nFocus\nSpecialized Care\nWhether you are managing diabetes, hypertension, or cancer, find the best information for your unique health concern.\nView\nAll\nJourneys\nYour Best Life\nFrom improving prenatal health, to navigating the aging process, read health news that evolves as you do.\nView\nAll\nMovement\nHealthy Living\nExplore the science of sports, fitness, recovery, and the inner workings of motion.\nView\nAll\nVibrance\nHealth & Fitness\nEveryday decisions, like what to eat, when to go to bed, and everything in between that impacts your health and wellbeing.\nView\nAll\nWisdom\nExpert Voices\nFrom clinical trials to insights direct from physician-scientists, stay on top of the knowledge that heals.\nView\nAll\nFocus\nFS\nLong-lasting symptoms following COVID-19 infection can drag on for weeks or even months and range from headaches and difficulty breathing to loss of smell and fatigue. The post-COVID condition known as “brain fog” can be particularly frustrating and disruptive to daily life.\nExperiencing brain fog can include thinking and processing information at a slower speed, trouble finding the right words, forgetfulness, mental confusion\/feeling in “a daze,” and memory issues. These symptoms can follow asymptomatic, mild, or severe COVID-19 disease.\n“Post-COVID brain fog is frequently reported and interferes with most tasks of daily living, yet it’s not formally recognized as a medical or psychological condition,” says \nBonnie Levin, Ph.D.\n, director of the Division of Neuropsychology and Cognitive Neuroscience and a neuropsychologist with the University of Miami Health System. “My goal is to examine the individual components and fully characterize the constellation of symptoms.”\n“What we’re most in the dark about is why some people experience long-haul brain fog, and others don’t,” she says. “Of those who develop brain fog, there’s little agreement about what is happening and why. We don’t have a means of diagnosing long-haul COVID-19 brain fog.”\nResearchers have identified the following possible causes of long-haul symptoms following coronavirus infection.\nBrain fog may be triggered by one or a combination of these causes.\ndirect viral damage\ninjury to the blood vessels (microvascular)\nabnormal cerebrospinal fluid (liquid around the brain and spinal cord)\nremnants of the virus persist and trigger inflammation\ndormant viruses in the body (like herpes HSV1\/HSV2 and Epstein Barr) get reactivated\nautoimmune responses develop and mistakenly attack normal cells\nabnormal blood clotting caused by inflammation\nThe causes and exact symptoms of brain fog are difficult to pin down because they are also side effects of many other medical conditions and diseases.\nScientists are trying to determine if post-COVID brain fog is caused by the same mechanisms that trigger similar neurological issues in patients with:\nhepatitis C\nfibromyalgia\nlupus\nHIV\nEpstein Barr\nmenopause\nconcussion\nnutritional deficiencies (like vitamin D and folate)\npostural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome\n“sick building syndrome” (caused by air pollution)\nthose undergoing chemotherapy (known as “chemo brain”)\n“We know that this is not dementia, and it’s not an irreversible condition,” Dr. Levin says. “Science is suggesting that long COVID-19 brain fog is likely reversible, and the passage of time will help ease symptoms.”\n10 ways to cope with brain fog\nWhether you are trying to avoid severe COVID disease and long-haul brain fog or are already managing these symptoms, the advice from experts is the same. Take care of your overall health.\nGet more physical activity. \n“When you feel physically weak, exercise. When you improve your exercise regimen, you can increase strength and reduce weakness. The same applies for brain fog,” Dr. Levin says. “If you aren’t going to the gym, find other ways of exercising (both cardio and strength training) to support your recovery at home or outdoors.”\nKeep your brain stimulated. \n“\nRepeated mental engagement\n can improve mindfulness,” Dr. Levine says. Reading, thought-provoking activities like listening to a podcast, creating an art project or practicing an instrument, and playing brain engagement games can challenge you cognitively.\nBe aware of your emotional wellbeing. \nDon’t ignore feelings of anxiety, apathy, or depression. “There’s a relationship between emotional wellbeing and cognitive health,” she says. The goal is to motivate yourself to become more actively engaged in your environment, which can help reduce stress and signs of depression. Avoid isolating yourself, and stay socially active.\nGet enough quality sleep\n. “With COVID-19, you may be experiencing fatigue, so we don’t want to encourage even more sleep if you’re already sleeping too much. But, \nquality sleep\n is critically important for recovery,” she says. “Implement good sleep hygiene.”\nMaintain a healthy weight. \n“Obesity and diabetes make it more likely that once infected, you’ll experience severe COVID-19 disease and develop long-haul symptoms more severely,” Dr. Levin says.\nImprove your diet. \n“There’s data about nutrition and how a healthy diet is critical to maintaining brain health,” she says. “Following the \nMediterranean diet\n is always recommended to support cognitive function and longevity. A diet \nlow in added sugars\n and processed foods and high in flavonoids is strongly recommended.”\nReduce your alcohol intake.\n Drinking can slow recovery from COVID-19, long-haul symptoms, and many other acute illnesses. Moderate to heavy \nalcohol\n consumption can trigger inflammation, reduce cognitive function and memory, interfere with sleep, and worsen depression.\nKeep your cardiovascular risk factors under control.\n “Vascular inflammation is part of risk factors like obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, and high blood pressure,” Dr. Levin says. You can make lifestyle and dietary changes to help \nreduce chronic inflammation\n.\nDevelop life hacks and memory tools to compensate. \nWhen your memory isn’t working right, and you’re struggling to stay focused, it can be hard to accomplish daily tasks and take care of your responsibilities.\nTo help you stay on track, Dr. Levin recommends:\nmake detailed to-do lists\nutilize memory and recall strategies\ntake notes and set calendar reminders on your phone\navoid saying ‘yes’ to too many obligations, so you don’t overwhelm yourself\nTo encourage lasting changes in your day-to-day routine and organizational skills, try the Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) problem-solving model.\n“Prepare a strategy, study, monitor, and act on your observations,” Dr. Levin says. “Use external devices like your phone to record new information. To help you understand and remember it, use multilevel encoding techniques like associating new information with your existing sensory information. Use visual cues (like prominently displayed reminder notes or a basket of clean laundry placed near the TV). Designate areas within your home for storing and finding commonly used items you may otherwise misplace.”\nRemember that brain fog is temporary and not all in your head.\n“Lots of people are experiencing this condition. I see patients with every kind of mental status change, including long-haul patients,” Dr. Levin says. “Don’t assume that because you feel exhausted, this will last forever, and you can’t do anything about it.”\nDana Kantrowitz is a contributing writer for UMiami Health News.\nTags:\nbrain fog\n,\nclarity\n,\ncognition\n,\ncovid-19 in Miami\n,\nDr. Bonnie Levin\n,\nimprove cognition\n,\nlong covid\n,\nlong haul covid\n,\nneurology\nContinue Reading\nThis article was printed from\nThe UHealth Collective\nat the following URL: https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/brain-pain-a-look-inside\/\nCopyright © 2026 University of Miami Health System","attrs_markdown":"![The U](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/wp-content\/themes\/uhealth-collective\/img\/logos\/uhealth-stacked-color.svg)\n\n[UHealth Collective](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/)\n\n[Español](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/es\/se-siente-obnubilado-como-combatir-la-obnubilacion-posterior-a-la-covid-19\/)\n\n[Español](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/es\/se-siente-obnubilado-como-combatir-la-obnubilacion-posterior-a-la-covid-19\/)\n\n### Advancements\n**Driving Discoveries**  \nExperts in academic medical research, innovate and shape the future of health care.\n\n[View All](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/category\/advancements\/)\n\n### Balance\n**Mindfulness**  \nEmotional health is as important as physical health. Learn how to stay balanced mentally and thrive.\n\n[View All](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/category\/balance\/)\n\n### Focus\n**Specialized Care**  \nWhether you are managing diabetes, hypertension, or cancer, find the best information for your unique health concern.\n\n[View All](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/category\/focus\/)\n\n### Journeys\n**Your Best Life**  \nFrom improving prenatal health, to navigating the aging process, read health news that evolves as you do.\n\n[View All](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/category\/journeys\/)\n\n### Movement\n**Healthy Living**  \nExplore the science of sports, fitness, recovery, and the inner workings of motion.\n\n[View All](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/category\/movement\/)\n\n### Vibrance\n**Health & Fitness**  \nEveryday decisions, like what to eat, when to go to bed, and everything in between that impacts your health and wellbeing.\n\n[View All](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/category\/vibrance\/)\n\n### Wisdom\n**Expert Voices**  \nFrom clinical trials to insights direct from physician-scientists, stay on top of the knowledge that heals.\n\n[View All](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/category\/wisdom\/)\n\n### Focus\n[FS](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/category\/focus\/)\n\n# Feeling Foggy? How to Fight Post-COVID Brain Fog\n6 min read \\| February 21, 2022  \\|    \n[Disponible en Español](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/es\/se-siente-obnubilado-como-combatir-la-obnubilacion-posterior-a-la-covid-19\/) \\|\n\n[Share](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/feeling-foggy-how-to-fight-post-covid-brain-fog\/)\n\n![](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/GettyImages_brain_fog_1350px_1307257242.jpg)\n\nLong-lasting symptoms following COVID-19 infection can drag on for weeks or even months and range from headaches and difficulty breathing to loss of smell and fatigue. The post-COVID condition known as “brain fog” can be particularly frustrating and disruptive to daily life.\n\nExperiencing brain fog can include thinking and processing information at a slower speed, trouble finding the right words, forgetfulness, mental confusion\/feeling in “a daze,” and memory issues. These symptoms can follow asymptomatic, mild, or severe COVID-19 disease.\n\n“Post-COVID brain fog is frequently reported and interferes with most tasks of daily living, yet it’s not formally recognized as a medical or psychological condition,” says [Bonnie Levin, Ph.D.](https:\/\/doctors.umiamihealth.org\/provider\/Bonnie+Levin\/524875?_ga=2.93394900.817244729.1644689437-1940541531.1506175809), director of the Division of Neuropsychology and Cognitive Neuroscience and a neuropsychologist with the University of Miami Health System. “My goal is to examine the individual components and fully characterize the constellation of symptoms.”\n\n“What we’re most in the dark about is why some people experience long-haul brain fog, and others don’t,” she says. “Of those who develop brain fog, there’s little agreement about what is happening and why. We don’t have a means of diagnosing long-haul COVID-19 brain fog.”\n\nResearchers have identified the following possible causes of long-haul symptoms following coronavirus infection.\n\n## Brain fog may be triggered by one or a combination of these causes.\n- direct viral damage\n- injury to the blood vessels (microvascular)\n- abnormal cerebrospinal fluid (liquid around the brain and spinal cord)\n- remnants of the virus persist and trigger inflammation\n- dormant viruses in the body (like herpes HSV1\/HSV2 and Epstein Barr) get reactivated\n- autoimmune responses develop and mistakenly attack normal cells\n- abnormal blood clotting caused by inflammation\n\nThe causes and exact symptoms of brain fog are difficult to pin down because they are also side effects of many other medical conditions and diseases.\n\n## Scientists are trying to determine if post-COVID brain fog is caused by the same mechanisms that trigger similar neurological issues in patients with:\n- hepatitis C\n- fibromyalgia\n- lupus\n- HIV\n- Epstein Barr\n- menopause\n- concussion\n- nutritional deficiencies (like vitamin D and folate)\n- postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome\n- “sick building syndrome” (caused by air pollution)\n- those undergoing chemotherapy (known as “chemo brain”)\n\n“We know that this is not dementia, and it’s not an irreversible condition,” Dr. Levin says. “Science is suggesting that long COVID-19 brain fog is likely reversible, and the passage of time will help ease symptoms.”\n\n## 10 ways to cope with brain fog\nWhether you are trying to avoid severe COVID disease and long-haul brain fog or are already managing these symptoms, the advice from experts is the same. Take care of your overall health.\n\n1. **Get more physical activity.** “When you feel physically weak, exercise. When you improve your exercise regimen, you can increase strength and reduce weakness. The same applies for brain fog,” Dr. Levin says. “If you aren’t going to the gym, find other ways of exercising (both cardio and strength training) to support your recovery at home or outdoors.”\n2. **Keep your brain stimulated.** “[Repeated mental engagement](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/how-to-optimize-your-brain-health\/) can improve mindfulness,” Dr. Levine says. Reading, thought-provoking activities like listening to a podcast, creating an art project or practicing an instrument, and playing brain engagement games can challenge you cognitively.\n3. **Be aware of your emotional wellbeing.** Don’t ignore feelings of anxiety, apathy, or depression. “There’s a relationship between emotional wellbeing and cognitive health,” she says. The goal is to motivate yourself to become more actively engaged in your environment, which can help reduce stress and signs of depression. Avoid isolating yourself, and stay socially active.\n4. **Get enough quality sleep**. “With COVID-19, you may be experiencing fatigue, so we don’t want to encourage even more sleep if you’re already sleeping too much. But, [quality sleep](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/the-relationship-between-covid-19-and-sleep\/) is critically important for recovery,” she says. “Implement good sleep hygiene.”\n5. **Maintain a healthy weight.** “Obesity and diabetes make it more likely that once infected, you’ll experience severe COVID-19 disease and develop long-haul symptoms more severely,” Dr. Levin says.\n6. **Improve your diet.** “There’s data about nutrition and how a healthy diet is critical to maintaining brain health,” she says. “Following the [Mediterranean diet](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/mangia-seven-simple-ways-to-embrace-the-mediterranean-diet\/) is always recommended to support cognitive function and longevity. A diet [low in added sugars](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/why-your-sweet-tooth-is-bad-for-your-heart\/) and processed foods and high in flavonoids is strongly recommended.”\n7. **Reduce your alcohol intake.** Drinking can slow recovery from COVID-19, long-haul symptoms, and many other acute illnesses. Moderate to heavy [alcohol](https:\/\/www.niaaa.nih.gov\/alcohols-effects-health\/alcohols-effects-body) consumption can trigger inflammation, reduce cognitive function and memory, interfere with sleep, and worsen depression.\n8. **Keep your cardiovascular risk factors under control.** “Vascular inflammation is part of risk factors like obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, and high blood pressure,” Dr. Levin says. You can make lifestyle and dietary changes to help [reduce chronic inflammation](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/reduce-chronic-inflammation-with-food\/).\n9. **Develop life hacks and memory tools to compensate.** When your memory isn’t working right, and you’re struggling to stay focused, it can be hard to accomplish daily tasks and take care of your responsibilities.\n## To help you stay on track, Dr. Levin recommends:\n- make detailed to-do lists\n- utilize memory and recall strategies\n- take notes and set calendar reminders on your phone\n- avoid saying ‘yes’ to too many obligations, so you don’t overwhelm yourself\n\nTo encourage lasting changes in your day-to-day routine and organizational skills, try the Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) problem-solving model.\n\n“Prepare a strategy, study, monitor, and act on your observations,” Dr. Levin says. “Use external devices like your phone to record new information. To help you understand and remember it, use multilevel encoding techniques like associating new information with your existing sensory information. Use visual cues (like prominently displayed reminder notes or a basket of clean laundry placed near the TV). Designate areas within your home for storing and finding commonly used items you may otherwise misplace.”\n\n## Remember that brain fog is temporary and not all in your head.\n“Lots of people are experiencing this condition. I see patients with every kind of mental status change, including long-haul patients,” Dr. Levin says. “Don’t assume that because you feel exhausted, this will last forever, and you can’t do anything about it.”\n***\nDana Kantrowitz is a contributing writer for UMiami Health News.\n***\n**Tags:** [brain fog](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/tag\/brain-fog\/), [clarity](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/tag\/clarity\/), [cognition](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/tag\/cognition\/), [covid-19 in Miami](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/tag\/covid-19-in-miami\/), [Dr. Bonnie Levin](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/tag\/dr-bonnie-levin\/), [improve cognition](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/tag\/improve-cognition\/), [long covid](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/tag\/long-covid\/), [long haul covid](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/tag\/long-haul-covid\/), [neurology](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/tag\/neurology\/)\n\nContinue Reading\n\n##### Related Stories\n## Focus\n**Specialized Care**  \nWhether you are managing diabetes, hypertension, or cancer, find the best information for your unique health concern.\n\n[View All](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/category\/focus\/)\n\n### [Unraveling the Mysteries of ALS](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/unraveling-the-mysteries-of-als\/)\n7 min read \\| February 05, 2025 \\|\n\n[Share](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/feeling-foggy-how-to-fight-post-covid-brain-fog\/)\n\n### [Brain Pain: A Look Inside](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/brain-pain-a-look-inside\/)\n6 min read \\| June 18, 2018 \\|\n\n[Share](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/feeling-foggy-how-to-fight-post-covid-brain-fog\/)\n\n## Subscribe for updates\n**Stay Informed\\!** Sign up for our monthly newsletter. Please note that the newsletter is delivered in English.\n\n[![University of Miami Health System](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/wp-content\/themes\/uhealth-collective\/img\/logos\/uhealth.svg)](https:\/\/umiamihealth.org\/)\n\n- [Find a Doctor](https:\/\/doctors.umiamihealth.org\/)\n- [Clinical Trials](https:\/\/umiamihealth.org\/clinical-trials)\n- [Locations](https:\/\/umiamihealth.org\/locations)\n- [About UHealth](https:\/\/umiamihealth.org\/about\/why-choose-uhealth)\n- [For Media](https:\/\/newsroom.umiamihealth.org\/)\n\n@UMiamiHealth\n\n[![Facebook](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/wp-content\/themes\/uhealth-collective\/img\/icons\/fb.svg)](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/UMiamiHealth\/) [![Twitter](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/wp-content\/themes\/uhealth-collective\/img\/icons\/twt.svg)](https:\/\/twitter.com\/UMiamiHealth) [![Instagram](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/wp-content\/themes\/uhealth-collective\/img\/icons\/ig.svg)](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/umiamihealth\/) [![YouTube](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/wp-content\/themes\/uhealth-collective\/img\/icons\/yt.svg)](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/UHealthTV)\n\n- Copyright © 2026 University of Miami Health System\n- [Medical Disclaimer](https:\/\/umiamihealth.org\/website\/medical-disclaimer)\n- [Terms of Use](https:\/\/umiamihealth.org\/website\/terms-of-use)\n- [Privacy Statement](https:\/\/umiamihealth.org\/website\/privacy-statement)\n\n##### Share this Story\n×\n\nThis article was printed from **The UHealth Collective**  \n at the following URL: https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/brain-pain-a-look-inside\/\n\nCopyright © 2026 University of Miami Health System","attrs_readable_markdown":"![The U](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/wp-content\/themes\/uhealth-collective\/img\/logos\/uhealth-stacked-color.svg)\n\n### Advancements\n**Driving Discoveries**  \nExperts in academic medical research, innovate and shape the future of health care.\n\n[View All](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/category\/advancements\/)\n\n### Balance\n**Mindfulness**  \nEmotional health is as important as physical health. Learn how to stay balanced mentally and thrive.\n\n[View All](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/category\/balance\/)\n\n### Focus\n**Specialized Care**  \nWhether you are managing diabetes, hypertension, or cancer, find the best information for your unique health concern.\n\n[View All](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/category\/focus\/)\n\n### Journeys\n**Your Best Life**  \nFrom improving prenatal health, to navigating the aging process, read health news that evolves as you do.\n\n[View All](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/category\/journeys\/)\n\n### Movement\n**Healthy Living**  \nExplore the science of sports, fitness, recovery, and the inner workings of motion.\n\n[View All](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/category\/movement\/)\n\n### Vibrance\n**Health & Fitness**  \nEveryday decisions, like what to eat, when to go to bed, and everything in between that impacts your health and wellbeing.\n\n[View All](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/category\/vibrance\/)\n\n### Wisdom\n**Expert Voices**  \nFrom clinical trials to insights direct from physician-scientists, stay on top of the knowledge that heals.\n\n[View All](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/category\/wisdom\/)\n\nFocus[FS](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/category\/focus\/)\n\n![](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/GettyImages_brain_fog_1350px_1307257242.jpg)\n\nLong-lasting symptoms following COVID-19 infection can drag on for weeks or even months and range from headaches and difficulty breathing to loss of smell and fatigue. The post-COVID condition known as “brain fog” can be particularly frustrating and disruptive to daily life.\n\nExperiencing brain fog can include thinking and processing information at a slower speed, trouble finding the right words, forgetfulness, mental confusion\/feeling in “a daze,” and memory issues. These symptoms can follow asymptomatic, mild, or severe COVID-19 disease.\n\n“Post-COVID brain fog is frequently reported and interferes with most tasks of daily living, yet it’s not formally recognized as a medical or psychological condition,” says [Bonnie Levin, Ph.D.](https:\/\/doctors.umiamihealth.org\/provider\/Bonnie+Levin\/524875?_ga=2.93394900.817244729.1644689437-1940541531.1506175809), director of the Division of Neuropsychology and Cognitive Neuroscience and a neuropsychologist with the University of Miami Health System. “My goal is to examine the individual components and fully characterize the constellation of symptoms.”\n\n“What we’re most in the dark about is why some people experience long-haul brain fog, and others don’t,” she says. “Of those who develop brain fog, there’s little agreement about what is happening and why. We don’t have a means of diagnosing long-haul COVID-19 brain fog.”\n\nResearchers have identified the following possible causes of long-haul symptoms following coronavirus infection.\n\n## Brain fog may be triggered by one or a combination of these causes.\n- direct viral damage\n- injury to the blood vessels (microvascular)\n- abnormal cerebrospinal fluid (liquid around the brain and spinal cord)\n- remnants of the virus persist and trigger inflammation\n- dormant viruses in the body (like herpes HSV1\/HSV2 and Epstein Barr) get reactivated\n- autoimmune responses develop and mistakenly attack normal cells\n- abnormal blood clotting caused by inflammation\n\nThe causes and exact symptoms of brain fog are difficult to pin down because they are also side effects of many other medical conditions and diseases.\n\n## Scientists are trying to determine if post-COVID brain fog is caused by the same mechanisms that trigger similar neurological issues in patients with:\n- hepatitis C\n- fibromyalgia\n- lupus\n- HIV\n- Epstein Barr\n- menopause\n- concussion\n- nutritional deficiencies (like vitamin D and folate)\n- postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome\n- “sick building syndrome” (caused by air pollution)\n- those undergoing chemotherapy (known as “chemo brain”)\n\n“We know that this is not dementia, and it’s not an irreversible condition,” Dr. Levin says. “Science is suggesting that long COVID-19 brain fog is likely reversible, and the passage of time will help ease symptoms.”\n\n## 10 ways to cope with brain fog\nWhether you are trying to avoid severe COVID disease and long-haul brain fog or are already managing these symptoms, the advice from experts is the same. Take care of your overall health.\n\n1. **Get more physical activity.** “When you feel physically weak, exercise. When you improve your exercise regimen, you can increase strength and reduce weakness. The same applies for brain fog,” Dr. Levin says. “If you aren’t going to the gym, find other ways of exercising (both cardio and strength training) to support your recovery at home or outdoors.”\n2. **Keep your brain stimulated.** “[Repeated mental engagement](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/how-to-optimize-your-brain-health\/) can improve mindfulness,” Dr. Levine says. Reading, thought-provoking activities like listening to a podcast, creating an art project or practicing an instrument, and playing brain engagement games can challenge you cognitively.\n3. **Be aware of your emotional wellbeing.** Don’t ignore feelings of anxiety, apathy, or depression. “There’s a relationship between emotional wellbeing and cognitive health,” she says. The goal is to motivate yourself to become more actively engaged in your environment, which can help reduce stress and signs of depression. Avoid isolating yourself, and stay socially active.\n4. **Get enough quality sleep**. “With COVID-19, you may be experiencing fatigue, so we don’t want to encourage even more sleep if you’re already sleeping too much. But, [quality sleep](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/the-relationship-between-covid-19-and-sleep\/) is critically important for recovery,” she says. “Implement good sleep hygiene.”\n5. **Maintain a healthy weight.** “Obesity and diabetes make it more likely that once infected, you’ll experience severe COVID-19 disease and develop long-haul symptoms more severely,” Dr. Levin says.\n6. **Improve your diet.** “There’s data about nutrition and how a healthy diet is critical to maintaining brain health,” she says. “Following the [Mediterranean diet](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/mangia-seven-simple-ways-to-embrace-the-mediterranean-diet\/) is always recommended to support cognitive function and longevity. A diet [low in added sugars](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/why-your-sweet-tooth-is-bad-for-your-heart\/) and processed foods and high in flavonoids is strongly recommended.”\n7. **Reduce your alcohol intake.** Drinking can slow recovery from COVID-19, long-haul symptoms, and many other acute illnesses. Moderate to heavy [alcohol](https:\/\/www.niaaa.nih.gov\/alcohols-effects-health\/alcohols-effects-body) consumption can trigger inflammation, reduce cognitive function and memory, interfere with sleep, and worsen depression.\n8. **Keep your cardiovascular risk factors under control.** “Vascular inflammation is part of risk factors like obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, and high blood pressure,” Dr. Levin says. You can make lifestyle and dietary changes to help [reduce chronic inflammation](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/reduce-chronic-inflammation-with-food\/).\n9. **Develop life hacks and memory tools to compensate.** When your memory isn’t working right, and you’re struggling to stay focused, it can be hard to accomplish daily tasks and take care of your responsibilities.\n## To help you stay on track, Dr. Levin recommends:\n- make detailed to-do lists\n- utilize memory and recall strategies\n- take notes and set calendar reminders on your phone\n- avoid saying ‘yes’ to too many obligations, so you don’t overwhelm yourself\n\nTo encourage lasting changes in your day-to-day routine and organizational skills, try the Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) problem-solving model.\n\n“Prepare a strategy, study, monitor, and act on your observations,” Dr. Levin says. “Use external devices like your phone to record new information. To help you understand and remember it, use multilevel encoding techniques like associating new information with your existing sensory information. Use visual cues (like prominently displayed reminder notes or a basket of clean laundry placed near the TV). Designate areas within your home for storing and finding commonly used items you may otherwise misplace.”\n\n## Remember that brain fog is temporary and not all in your head.\n“Lots of people are experiencing this condition. I see patients with every kind of mental status change, including long-haul patients,” Dr. Levin says. “Don’t assume that because you feel exhausted, this will last forever, and you can’t do anything about it.”\n***\nDana Kantrowitz is a contributing writer for UMiami Health News.\n***\n**Tags:** [brain fog](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/tag\/brain-fog\/), [clarity](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/tag\/clarity\/), [cognition](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/tag\/cognition\/), [covid-19 in Miami](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/tag\/covid-19-in-miami\/), [Dr. Bonnie Levin](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/tag\/dr-bonnie-levin\/), [improve cognition](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/tag\/improve-cognition\/), [long covid](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/tag\/long-covid\/), [long haul covid](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/tag\/long-haul-covid\/), [neurology](https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/tag\/neurology\/)\n\nContinue Reading\n\nThis article was printed from **The UHealth Collective**  \n at the following URL: https:\/\/news.umiamihealth.org\/en\/brain-pain-a-look-inside\/\n\nCopyright © 2026 University of Miami Health System","meta_canonical":null}

3. Robots.txt Check

Query:

Response:

4. Spam/Ban Check

Query:

Response:

5. Seen Status Check

ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled

📄

INDEXABLE

✅

CRAWLED

2 days ago

🤖

ROBOTS SERVER UNREACHABLE

Failed to connect to robots server: Operation timed out after 2002 milliseconds with 0 bytes received

Page Info Filters

Filter	Status	Condition	Details
HTTP status	PASS	`download_http_code = 200`	HTTP 200
Age cutoff	PASS	`download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH`	0.1 months ago
History drop	PASS	`isNull(history_drop_reason)`	No drop reason
Spam/ban	PASS	`fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0`	ml_spam_score=0
Canonical	PASS	`meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed`	Not set

Page Details

Property	Value
URL	https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/feeling-foggy-how-to-fight-post-covid-brain-fog/
Last Crawled	2026-04-12 02:27:01 (2 days ago)
First Indexed	2022-02-21 18:18:36 (4 years ago)
HTTP Status Code	200
Meta Title	Feeling Foggy? How to Fight Post-COVID Brain Fog \| UHealth Collective
Meta Description	We are constantly learning more about COVID and its aftereffects. Brain fog is appearing in more and more instances of long COVID.
Meta Canonical	null
Boilerpipe Text	Advancements Driving Discoveries Experts in academic medical research, innovate and shape the future of health care. View All Balance Mindfulness Emotional health is as important as physical health. Learn how to stay balanced mentally and thrive. View All Focus Specialized Care Whether you are managing diabetes, hypertension, or cancer, find the best information for your unique health concern. View All Journeys Your Best Life From improving prenatal health, to navigating the aging process, read health news that evolves as you do. View All Movement Healthy Living Explore the science of sports, fitness, recovery, and the inner workings of motion. View All Vibrance Health & Fitness Everyday decisions, like what to eat, when to go to bed, and everything in between that impacts your health and wellbeing. View All Wisdom Expert Voices From clinical trials to insights direct from physician-scientists, stay on top of the knowledge that heals. View All Focus FS Long-lasting symptoms following COVID-19 infection can drag on for weeks or even months and range from headaches and difficulty breathing to loss of smell and fatigue. The post-COVID condition known as “brain fog” can be particularly frustrating and disruptive to daily life. Experiencing brain fog can include thinking and processing information at a slower speed, trouble finding the right words, forgetfulness, mental confusion/feeling in “a daze,” and memory issues. These symptoms can follow asymptomatic, mild, or severe COVID-19 disease. “Post-COVID brain fog is frequently reported and interferes with most tasks of daily living, yet it’s not formally recognized as a medical or psychological condition,” says Bonnie Levin, Ph.D. , director of the Division of Neuropsychology and Cognitive Neuroscience and a neuropsychologist with the University of Miami Health System. “My goal is to examine the individual components and fully characterize the constellation of symptoms.” “What we’re most in the dark about is why some people experience long-haul brain fog, and others don’t,” she says. “Of those who develop brain fog, there’s little agreement about what is happening and why. We don’t have a means of diagnosing long-haul COVID-19 brain fog.” Researchers have identified the following possible causes of long-haul symptoms following coronavirus infection. Brain fog may be triggered by one or a combination of these causes. direct viral damage injury to the blood vessels (microvascular) abnormal cerebrospinal fluid (liquid around the brain and spinal cord) remnants of the virus persist and trigger inflammation dormant viruses in the body (like herpes HSV1/HSV2 and Epstein Barr) get reactivated autoimmune responses develop and mistakenly attack normal cells abnormal blood clotting caused by inflammation The causes and exact symptoms of brain fog are difficult to pin down because they are also side effects of many other medical conditions and diseases. Scientists are trying to determine if post-COVID brain fog is caused by the same mechanisms that trigger similar neurological issues in patients with: hepatitis C fibromyalgia lupus HIV Epstein Barr menopause concussion nutritional deficiencies (like vitamin D and folate) postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome “sick building syndrome” (caused by air pollution) those undergoing chemotherapy (known as “chemo brain”) “We know that this is not dementia, and it’s not an irreversible condition,” Dr. Levin says. “Science is suggesting that long COVID-19 brain fog is likely reversible, and the passage of time will help ease symptoms.” 10 ways to cope with brain fog Whether you are trying to avoid severe COVID disease and long-haul brain fog or are already managing these symptoms, the advice from experts is the same. Take care of your overall health. Get more physical activity. “When you feel physically weak, exercise. When you improve your exercise regimen, you can increase strength and reduce weakness. The same applies for brain fog,” Dr. Levin says. “If you aren’t going to the gym, find other ways of exercising (both cardio and strength training) to support your recovery at home or outdoors.” Keep your brain stimulated. “ Repeated mental engagement can improve mindfulness,” Dr. Levine says. Reading, thought-provoking activities like listening to a podcast, creating an art project or practicing an instrument, and playing brain engagement games can challenge you cognitively. Be aware of your emotional wellbeing. Don’t ignore feelings of anxiety, apathy, or depression. “There’s a relationship between emotional wellbeing and cognitive health,” she says. The goal is to motivate yourself to become more actively engaged in your environment, which can help reduce stress and signs of depression. Avoid isolating yourself, and stay socially active. Get enough quality sleep . “With COVID-19, you may be experiencing fatigue, so we don’t want to encourage even more sleep if you’re already sleeping too much. But, quality sleep is critically important for recovery,” she says. “Implement good sleep hygiene.” Maintain a healthy weight. “Obesity and diabetes make it more likely that once infected, you’ll experience severe COVID-19 disease and develop long-haul symptoms more severely,” Dr. Levin says. Improve your diet. “There’s data about nutrition and how a healthy diet is critical to maintaining brain health,” she says. “Following the Mediterranean diet is always recommended to support cognitive function and longevity. A diet low in added sugars and processed foods and high in flavonoids is strongly recommended.” Reduce your alcohol intake. Drinking can slow recovery from COVID-19, long-haul symptoms, and many other acute illnesses. Moderate to heavy alcohol consumption can trigger inflammation, reduce cognitive function and memory, interfere with sleep, and worsen depression. Keep your cardiovascular risk factors under control. “Vascular inflammation is part of risk factors like obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, and high blood pressure,” Dr. Levin says. You can make lifestyle and dietary changes to help reduce chronic inflammation . Develop life hacks and memory tools to compensate. When your memory isn’t working right, and you’re struggling to stay focused, it can be hard to accomplish daily tasks and take care of your responsibilities. To help you stay on track, Dr. Levin recommends: make detailed to-do lists utilize memory and recall strategies take notes and set calendar reminders on your phone avoid saying ‘yes’ to too many obligations, so you don’t overwhelm yourself To encourage lasting changes in your day-to-day routine and organizational skills, try the Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) problem-solving model. “Prepare a strategy, study, monitor, and act on your observations,” Dr. Levin says. “Use external devices like your phone to record new information. To help you understand and remember it, use multilevel encoding techniques like associating new information with your existing sensory information. Use visual cues (like prominently displayed reminder notes or a basket of clean laundry placed near the TV). Designate areas within your home for storing and finding commonly used items you may otherwise misplace.” Remember that brain fog is temporary and not all in your head. “Lots of people are experiencing this condition. I see patients with every kind of mental status change, including long-haul patients,” Dr. Levin says. “Don’t assume that because you feel exhausted, this will last forever, and you can’t do anything about it.” Dana Kantrowitz is a contributing writer for UMiami Health News. Tags: brain fog , clarity , cognition , covid-19 in Miami , Dr. Bonnie Levin , improve cognition , long covid , long haul covid , neurology Continue Reading This article was printed from The UHealth Collective at the following URL: https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/brain-pain-a-look-inside/ Copyright © 2026 University of Miami Health System
Markdown	![The U](https://news.umiamihealth.org/wp-content/themes/uhealth-collective/img/logos/uhealth-stacked-color.svg) [UHealth Collective](https://news.umiamihealth.org/) [Español](https://news.umiamihealth.org/es/se-siente-obnubilado-como-combatir-la-obnubilacion-posterior-a-la-covid-19/) [Español](https://news.umiamihealth.org/es/se-siente-obnubilado-como-combatir-la-obnubilacion-posterior-a-la-covid-19/) ### Advancements Driving Discoveries Experts in academic medical research, innovate and shape the future of health care. [View All](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/category/advancements/) ### Balance Mindfulness Emotional health is as important as physical health. Learn how to stay balanced mentally and thrive. [View All](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/category/balance/) ### Focus Specialized Care Whether you are managing diabetes, hypertension, or cancer, find the best information for your unique health concern. [View All](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/category/focus/) ### Journeys Your Best Life From improving prenatal health, to navigating the aging process, read health news that evolves as you do. [View All](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/category/journeys/) ### Movement Healthy Living Explore the science of sports, fitness, recovery, and the inner workings of motion. [View All](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/category/movement/) ### Vibrance Health & Fitness Everyday decisions, like what to eat, when to go to bed, and everything in between that impacts your health and wellbeing. [View All](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/category/vibrance/) ### Wisdom Expert Voices From clinical trials to insights direct from physician-scientists, stay on top of the knowledge that heals. [View All](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/category/wisdom/) ### Focus [FS](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/category/focus/) # Feeling Foggy? How to Fight Post-COVID Brain Fog 6 min read \\| February 21, 2022 \\| [Disponible en Español](https://news.umiamihealth.org/es/se-siente-obnubilado-como-combatir-la-obnubilacion-posterior-a-la-covid-19/) \\| [Share](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/feeling-foggy-how-to-fight-post-covid-brain-fog/) ![](https://news.umiamihealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/GettyImages_brain_fog_1350px_1307257242.jpg) Long-lasting symptoms following COVID-19 infection can drag on for weeks or even months and range from headaches and difficulty breathing to loss of smell and fatigue. The post-COVID condition known as “brain fog” can be particularly frustrating and disruptive to daily life. Experiencing brain fog can include thinking and processing information at a slower speed, trouble finding the right words, forgetfulness, mental confusion/feeling in “a daze,” and memory issues. These symptoms can follow asymptomatic, mild, or severe COVID-19 disease. “Post-COVID brain fog is frequently reported and interferes with most tasks of daily living, yet it’s not formally recognized as a medical or psychological condition,” says [Bonnie Levin, Ph.D.](https://doctors.umiamihealth.org/provider/Bonnie+Levin/524875?_ga=2.93394900.817244729.1644689437-1940541531.1506175809), director of the Division of Neuropsychology and Cognitive Neuroscience and a neuropsychologist with the University of Miami Health System. “My goal is to examine the individual components and fully characterize the constellation of symptoms.” “What we’re most in the dark about is why some people experience long-haul brain fog, and others don’t,” she says. “Of those who develop brain fog, there’s little agreement about what is happening and why. We don’t have a means of diagnosing long-haul COVID-19 brain fog.” Researchers have identified the following possible causes of long-haul symptoms following coronavirus infection. ## Brain fog may be triggered by one or a combination of these causes. - direct viral damage - injury to the blood vessels (microvascular) - abnormal cerebrospinal fluid (liquid around the brain and spinal cord) - remnants of the virus persist and trigger inflammation - dormant viruses in the body (like herpes HSV1/HSV2 and Epstein Barr) get reactivated - autoimmune responses develop and mistakenly attack normal cells - abnormal blood clotting caused by inflammation The causes and exact symptoms of brain fog are difficult to pin down because they are also side effects of many other medical conditions and diseases. ## Scientists are trying to determine if post-COVID brain fog is caused by the same mechanisms that trigger similar neurological issues in patients with: - hepatitis C - fibromyalgia - lupus - HIV - Epstein Barr - menopause - concussion - nutritional deficiencies (like vitamin D and folate) - postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome - “sick building syndrome” (caused by air pollution) - those undergoing chemotherapy (known as “chemo brain”) “We know that this is not dementia, and it’s not an irreversible condition,” Dr. Levin says. “Science is suggesting that long COVID-19 brain fog is likely reversible, and the passage of time will help ease symptoms.” ## 10 ways to cope with brain fog Whether you are trying to avoid severe COVID disease and long-haul brain fog or are already managing these symptoms, the advice from experts is the same. Take care of your overall health. 1. Get more physical activity. “When you feel physically weak, exercise. When you improve your exercise regimen, you can increase strength and reduce weakness. The same applies for brain fog,” Dr. Levin says. “If you aren’t going to the gym, find other ways of exercising (both cardio and strength training) to support your recovery at home or outdoors.” 2. Keep your brain stimulated. “[Repeated mental engagement](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/how-to-optimize-your-brain-health/) can improve mindfulness,” Dr. Levine says. Reading, thought-provoking activities like listening to a podcast, creating an art project or practicing an instrument, and playing brain engagement games can challenge you cognitively. 3. Be aware of your emotional wellbeing. Don’t ignore feelings of anxiety, apathy, or depression. “There’s a relationship between emotional wellbeing and cognitive health,” she says. The goal is to motivate yourself to become more actively engaged in your environment, which can help reduce stress and signs of depression. Avoid isolating yourself, and stay socially active. 4. Get enough quality sleep. “With COVID-19, you may be experiencing fatigue, so we don’t want to encourage even more sleep if you’re already sleeping too much. But, [quality sleep](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/the-relationship-between-covid-19-and-sleep/) is critically important for recovery,” she says. “Implement good sleep hygiene.” 5. Maintain a healthy weight. “Obesity and diabetes make it more likely that once infected, you’ll experience severe COVID-19 disease and develop long-haul symptoms more severely,” Dr. Levin says. 6. Improve your diet. “There’s data about nutrition and how a healthy diet is critical to maintaining brain health,” she says. “Following the [Mediterranean diet](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/mangia-seven-simple-ways-to-embrace-the-mediterranean-diet/) is always recommended to support cognitive function and longevity. A diet [low in added sugars](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/why-your-sweet-tooth-is-bad-for-your-heart/) and processed foods and high in flavonoids is strongly recommended.” 7. Reduce your alcohol intake. Drinking can slow recovery from COVID-19, long-haul symptoms, and many other acute illnesses. Moderate to heavy [alcohol](https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohols-effects-body) consumption can trigger inflammation, reduce cognitive function and memory, interfere with sleep, and worsen depression. 8. Keep your cardiovascular risk factors under control. “Vascular inflammation is part of risk factors like obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, and high blood pressure,” Dr. Levin says. You can make lifestyle and dietary changes to help [reduce chronic inflammation](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/reduce-chronic-inflammation-with-food/). 9. Develop life hacks and memory tools to compensate. When your memory isn’t working right, and you’re struggling to stay focused, it can be hard to accomplish daily tasks and take care of your responsibilities. ## To help you stay on track, Dr. Levin recommends: - make detailed to-do lists - utilize memory and recall strategies - take notes and set calendar reminders on your phone - avoid saying ‘yes’ to too many obligations, so you don’t overwhelm yourself To encourage lasting changes in your day-to-day routine and organizational skills, try the Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) problem-solving model. “Prepare a strategy, study, monitor, and act on your observations,” Dr. Levin says. “Use external devices like your phone to record new information. To help you understand and remember it, use multilevel encoding techniques like associating new information with your existing sensory information. Use visual cues (like prominently displayed reminder notes or a basket of clean laundry placed near the TV). Designate areas within your home for storing and finding commonly used items you may otherwise misplace.” ## Remember that brain fog is temporary and not all in your head. “Lots of people are experiencing this condition. I see patients with every kind of mental status change, including long-haul patients,” Dr. Levin says. “Don’t assume that because you feel exhausted, this will last forever, and you can’t do anything about it.” * Dana Kantrowitz is a contributing writer for UMiami Health News. * Tags: [brain fog](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/tag/brain-fog/), [clarity](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/tag/clarity/), [cognition](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/tag/cognition/), [covid-19 in Miami](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/tag/covid-19-in-miami/), [Dr. Bonnie Levin](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/tag/dr-bonnie-levin/), [improve cognition](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/tag/improve-cognition/), [long covid](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/tag/long-covid/), [long haul covid](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/tag/long-haul-covid/), [neurology](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/tag/neurology/) Continue Reading ##### Related Stories ## Focus Specialized Care Whether you are managing diabetes, hypertension, or cancer, find the best information for your unique health concern. [View All](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/category/focus/) ### [Unraveling the Mysteries of ALS](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/unraveling-the-mysteries-of-als/) 7 min read \\| February 05, 2025 \\| [Share](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/feeling-foggy-how-to-fight-post-covid-brain-fog/) ### [Brain Pain: A Look Inside](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/brain-pain-a-look-inside/) 6 min read \\| June 18, 2018 \\| [Share](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/feeling-foggy-how-to-fight-post-covid-brain-fog/) ## Subscribe for updates Stay Informed\! Sign up for our monthly newsletter. Please note that the newsletter is delivered in English. [![University of Miami Health System](https://news.umiamihealth.org/wp-content/themes/uhealth-collective/img/logos/uhealth.svg)](https://umiamihealth.org/) - [Find a Doctor](https://doctors.umiamihealth.org/) - [Clinical Trials](https://umiamihealth.org/clinical-trials) - [Locations](https://umiamihealth.org/locations) - [About UHealth](https://umiamihealth.org/about/why-choose-uhealth) - [For Media](https://newsroom.umiamihealth.org/) @UMiamiHealth [![Facebook](https://news.umiamihealth.org/wp-content/themes/uhealth-collective/img/icons/fb.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/UMiamiHealth/) [![Twitter](https://news.umiamihealth.org/wp-content/themes/uhealth-collective/img/icons/twt.svg)](https://twitter.com/UMiamiHealth) [![Instagram](https://news.umiamihealth.org/wp-content/themes/uhealth-collective/img/icons/ig.svg)](https://www.instagram.com/umiamihealth/) [![YouTube](https://news.umiamihealth.org/wp-content/themes/uhealth-collective/img/icons/yt.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/user/UHealthTV) - Copyright © 2026 University of Miami Health System - [Medical Disclaimer](https://umiamihealth.org/website/medical-disclaimer) - [Terms of Use](https://umiamihealth.org/website/terms-of-use) - [Privacy Statement](https://umiamihealth.org/website/privacy-statement) ##### Share this Story × This article was printed from The UHealth Collective at the following URL: https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/brain-pain-a-look-inside/ Copyright © 2026 University of Miami Health System
Readable Markdown	![The U](https://news.umiamihealth.org/wp-content/themes/uhealth-collective/img/logos/uhealth-stacked-color.svg) ### Advancements Driving Discoveries Experts in academic medical research, innovate and shape the future of health care. [View All](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/category/advancements/) ### Balance Mindfulness Emotional health is as important as physical health. Learn how to stay balanced mentally and thrive. [View All](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/category/balance/) ### Focus Specialized Care Whether you are managing diabetes, hypertension, or cancer, find the best information for your unique health concern. [View All](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/category/focus/) ### Journeys Your Best Life From improving prenatal health, to navigating the aging process, read health news that evolves as you do. [View All](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/category/journeys/) ### Movement Healthy Living Explore the science of sports, fitness, recovery, and the inner workings of motion. [View All](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/category/movement/) ### Vibrance Health & Fitness Everyday decisions, like what to eat, when to go to bed, and everything in between that impacts your health and wellbeing. [View All](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/category/vibrance/) ### Wisdom Expert Voices From clinical trials to insights direct from physician-scientists, stay on top of the knowledge that heals. [View All](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/category/wisdom/) Focus[FS](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/category/focus/) ![](https://news.umiamihealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/GettyImages_brain_fog_1350px_1307257242.jpg) Long-lasting symptoms following COVID-19 infection can drag on for weeks or even months and range from headaches and difficulty breathing to loss of smell and fatigue. The post-COVID condition known as “brain fog” can be particularly frustrating and disruptive to daily life. Experiencing brain fog can include thinking and processing information at a slower speed, trouble finding the right words, forgetfulness, mental confusion/feeling in “a daze,” and memory issues. These symptoms can follow asymptomatic, mild, or severe COVID-19 disease. “Post-COVID brain fog is frequently reported and interferes with most tasks of daily living, yet it’s not formally recognized as a medical or psychological condition,” says [Bonnie Levin, Ph.D.](https://doctors.umiamihealth.org/provider/Bonnie+Levin/524875?_ga=2.93394900.817244729.1644689437-1940541531.1506175809), director of the Division of Neuropsychology and Cognitive Neuroscience and a neuropsychologist with the University of Miami Health System. “My goal is to examine the individual components and fully characterize the constellation of symptoms.” “What we’re most in the dark about is why some people experience long-haul brain fog, and others don’t,” she says. “Of those who develop brain fog, there’s little agreement about what is happening and why. We don’t have a means of diagnosing long-haul COVID-19 brain fog.” Researchers have identified the following possible causes of long-haul symptoms following coronavirus infection. ## Brain fog may be triggered by one or a combination of these causes. - direct viral damage - injury to the blood vessels (microvascular) - abnormal cerebrospinal fluid (liquid around the brain and spinal cord) - remnants of the virus persist and trigger inflammation - dormant viruses in the body (like herpes HSV1/HSV2 and Epstein Barr) get reactivated - autoimmune responses develop and mistakenly attack normal cells - abnormal blood clotting caused by inflammation The causes and exact symptoms of brain fog are difficult to pin down because they are also side effects of many other medical conditions and diseases. ## Scientists are trying to determine if post-COVID brain fog is caused by the same mechanisms that trigger similar neurological issues in patients with: - hepatitis C - fibromyalgia - lupus - HIV - Epstein Barr - menopause - concussion - nutritional deficiencies (like vitamin D and folate) - postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome - “sick building syndrome” (caused by air pollution) - those undergoing chemotherapy (known as “chemo brain”) “We know that this is not dementia, and it’s not an irreversible condition,” Dr. Levin says. “Science is suggesting that long COVID-19 brain fog is likely reversible, and the passage of time will help ease symptoms.” ## 10 ways to cope with brain fog Whether you are trying to avoid severe COVID disease and long-haul brain fog or are already managing these symptoms, the advice from experts is the same. Take care of your overall health. 1. Get more physical activity. “When you feel physically weak, exercise. When you improve your exercise regimen, you can increase strength and reduce weakness. The same applies for brain fog,” Dr. Levin says. “If you aren’t going to the gym, find other ways of exercising (both cardio and strength training) to support your recovery at home or outdoors.” 2. Keep your brain stimulated. “[Repeated mental engagement](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/how-to-optimize-your-brain-health/) can improve mindfulness,” Dr. Levine says. Reading, thought-provoking activities like listening to a podcast, creating an art project or practicing an instrument, and playing brain engagement games can challenge you cognitively. 3. Be aware of your emotional wellbeing. Don’t ignore feelings of anxiety, apathy, or depression. “There’s a relationship between emotional wellbeing and cognitive health,” she says. The goal is to motivate yourself to become more actively engaged in your environment, which can help reduce stress and signs of depression. Avoid isolating yourself, and stay socially active. 4. Get enough quality sleep. “With COVID-19, you may be experiencing fatigue, so we don’t want to encourage even more sleep if you’re already sleeping too much. But, [quality sleep](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/the-relationship-between-covid-19-and-sleep/) is critically important for recovery,” she says. “Implement good sleep hygiene.” 5. Maintain a healthy weight. “Obesity and diabetes make it more likely that once infected, you’ll experience severe COVID-19 disease and develop long-haul symptoms more severely,” Dr. Levin says. 6. Improve your diet. “There’s data about nutrition and how a healthy diet is critical to maintaining brain health,” she says. “Following the [Mediterranean diet](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/mangia-seven-simple-ways-to-embrace-the-mediterranean-diet/) is always recommended to support cognitive function and longevity. A diet [low in added sugars](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/why-your-sweet-tooth-is-bad-for-your-heart/) and processed foods and high in flavonoids is strongly recommended.” 7. Reduce your alcohol intake. Drinking can slow recovery from COVID-19, long-haul symptoms, and many other acute illnesses. Moderate to heavy [alcohol](https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohols-effects-body) consumption can trigger inflammation, reduce cognitive function and memory, interfere with sleep, and worsen depression. 8. Keep your cardiovascular risk factors under control. “Vascular inflammation is part of risk factors like obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, and high blood pressure,” Dr. Levin says. You can make lifestyle and dietary changes to help [reduce chronic inflammation](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/reduce-chronic-inflammation-with-food/). 9. Develop life hacks and memory tools to compensate. When your memory isn’t working right, and you’re struggling to stay focused, it can be hard to accomplish daily tasks and take care of your responsibilities. ## To help you stay on track, Dr. Levin recommends: - make detailed to-do lists - utilize memory and recall strategies - take notes and set calendar reminders on your phone - avoid saying ‘yes’ to too many obligations, so you don’t overwhelm yourself To encourage lasting changes in your day-to-day routine and organizational skills, try the Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) problem-solving model. “Prepare a strategy, study, monitor, and act on your observations,” Dr. Levin says. “Use external devices like your phone to record new information. To help you understand and remember it, use multilevel encoding techniques like associating new information with your existing sensory information. Use visual cues (like prominently displayed reminder notes or a basket of clean laundry placed near the TV). Designate areas within your home for storing and finding commonly used items you may otherwise misplace.” ## Remember that brain fog is temporary and not all in your head. “Lots of people are experiencing this condition. I see patients with every kind of mental status change, including long-haul patients,” Dr. Levin says. “Don’t assume that because you feel exhausted, this will last forever, and you can’t do anything about it.” * Dana Kantrowitz is a contributing writer for UMiami Health News. * Tags: [brain fog](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/tag/brain-fog/), [clarity](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/tag/clarity/), [cognition](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/tag/cognition/), [covid-19 in Miami](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/tag/covid-19-in-miami/), [Dr. Bonnie Levin](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/tag/dr-bonnie-levin/), [improve cognition](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/tag/improve-cognition/), [long covid](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/tag/long-covid/), [long haul covid](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/tag/long-haul-covid/), [neurology](https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/tag/neurology/) Continue Reading This article was printed from The UHealth Collective at the following URL: https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/brain-pain-a-look-inside/ Copyright © 2026 University of Miami Health System
Shard	167 (laksa)
Root Hash	14433733095000654167
Unparsed URL	org,umiamihealth!news,/en/feeling-foggy-how-to-fight-post-covid-brain-fog/ s443