90. Decoding Brain Fog: Expert Insights with Ilene Ruhoy, MD, PhD

In this episode, Dr. Ilene Ruhoy discusses brain fog, a cognitive dysfunction symptom characterized by slow thinking, trouble learning, and focusing. It's prevalent in conditions like MCAS, dysautonomia, Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes, and associated with illnesses like craniocervical instability, intracranial pressure changes, and CSF leaks. Ruhoy stresses the importance of identifying underlying causes through detailed evaluation including medical history, imaging, and lab tests. Nutrition is emphasized as critical, with anti-inflammatory diets enhancing cognitive health. There's a focus on reducing inflammatory foods, increasing vegetables, and recognizing the inflammatory role of processed foods, sugars, and dairy. MRI findings in MCAS patients with increased brain volume due to inflammation are shared, indicative of the condition's impact on cognitive function.