How to navigate doctor’s appointments with brain fog
Brain fog is one of the most common symptoms I see in my patients with chronic fatigue, including CFS/ME and Long COVID. Unfortunately, being chronically ill means you probably have to navigate a complex healthcare system while struggling with this symptom that makes navigating anything much harder.
Here’s how I recommend managing it.
How to prepare for a doctor’s appointment
Before any appointment, take time to prepare.
Write down the specific issue you’re looking for support with, as many details as you can recall about it, and what you’re looking for from your provider. You can find a detailed guide for preparing for appointments here.
You may also want to keep a digital or physical file of all your health information, including medications, supplements, diagnoses, lab and imaging results, procedures, allergies, and members of your care team. This allows you to refer back to these details even when you can’t easily remember.
If your brain fog is worse with stress or exertion, make sure to clear plenty of time before and after your appointment, and make travel plans to the clinic well ahead of time.
Can you bring a support person to the doctor?
I strongly recommend bringing a support person who is familiar with your health history and is able to take notes for you to your appointments.
By taking notes, they can free you up to just think about your interaction with your provider.
They can also step in and fill in gaps if you forget some answers or start to have trouble communicating.
You are entitled to having a support person with you, even during some procedures - just politely let your provider know who they are are why they are with you.
What to write down during a doctor’s appointment
Having a written record of what happened in an appointment is key. You can get this by taking notes yourself, having a support person take notes, or getting access to notes from your provider.
Most providers do not offer written notes after an appointment, but some do. As a naturopathic doctor who works with plenty of folks with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and ADHD, I always provide a written treatment plan after every appointment.
Your notes should include:
Diagnoses you are given
Tests you’re being sent for
Referrals you’ll need to do follow up with
Recommendations or prescriptions, including instructions, frequency, expected side effects, concerning side effects to look out for, and any follow-up instructions like refills and retesting.
At the end of each appointment, review your next steps. Check your notes, and read them back to your provider for confirmation.
How to describe brain fog to your doctor
Brain fog is a non-specific symptom that can be hard for doctors to investigate. If you are going to your doctor to get help for your brain fog, consider sharing the following details:
Specific cognitive challenges you’ve faced, e.g. word retrieval, short term memory, problem solving.
Impact on your life, e.g. had to take time off school, struggling at work, cancelling social plans.
When it started, e.g. after an illness or injury.
Any symptoms that come with it e.g. fatigue, lightheadedness, digestive changes, skin changes, headache.
Navigating healthcare while dealing with brain fog is undeniably challenging, but a little preparation and support can make a huge difference. By organizing your information, bringing someone you trust, and clearly communicating your symptoms and needs, you can advocate for yourself with more ease, even on days when thinking feels harder.
Remember: you deserve care that meets you where you’re at, and these strategies can help you get the clarity and support you need.
I designed my complex chronic fatigue assessment process to make it easier for folks struggling with brain fog. Think this might be the assessment you need? I work with folks across Ontario - book a free 15 minute discovery call to see how I can help.
This post is part of a series about navigating healthcare.