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Real members of MyLupusTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

For those suffering from various chronic conditions with similar symptoms, how do you distinguish which illness is causing your pain?

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Los Angeles, CA

I’ve been at the hospital for three days now. Providers ask me if I have brain fog. I can’t determine if it’s my lupus brain fog or something else…

February 25
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A MyLupusTeam Member

That's the million dollar questions. I can suggest keeping a daily journal of how you are feeling, and communication with your doctors, try to find doctors that work together and communicate with each other. This normally happens through recommendations from your doctor. In theory if they are all sharing the information it's easier to rule out or separate symptoms. The journal and platforms like this make it easier for you to explain what's going on with you personally. Reading about what others are going through may help you to get a better understanding.

February 25
A MyLupusTeam Member

Karly, I hope you recover quickly! If you’re not thinking as clearly as usual, I would let your doctors know that. It’s up to them to determine what’s causing it, though it’s great that you’re advocating for yourself as much as possible. 💜

February 25
MyLupusTeam

How can you tell if brain fog is from lupus or something else?

It's really challenging to distinguish the cause of brain fog, especially when you're in the hospital dealing with multiple health concerns. Brain fog from lupus is incredibly common—affecting 70 to 80 percent of people with lupus at some point.

The key is working Show Full Answer

How can you tell if brain fog is from lupus or something else?

It's really challenging to distinguish the cause of brain fog, especially when you're in the hospital dealing with multiple health concerns. Brain fog from lupus is incredibly common—affecting 70 to 80 percent of people with lupus at some point.

The key is working closely with your healthcare team to rule out other potential causes. Brain fog in lupus can result from several factors:

* Inflammation in the brain (lupus cerebritis)
* Sleep disturbances
* Poor nutrition
* Mental health conditions like depression or anxiety
* Medication side effects

Your providers may suggest cognitive testing to evaluate your brain function and help determine what's contributing to your symptoms. This is especially important since lupus has been linked to various forms of cognitive issues, and treating underlying problems early is critical. Don't hesitate to share all your symptoms with your medical team, including when the brain fog started, how severe it is, and whether it's different from what you typically experience. Simple changes like medication adjustments or checking blood sugar levels might help clear some of the fog.

A MyLupusTeam member shared: "I have brain fog. It's getting to the point where I forget how to spell a word or I can't get the word out that I'm trying to say." Anytime you feel unsettled by physical or mental changes, reaching out for support is the right move.

Being in the hospital gives you access to specialists who can help sort this out—take advantage of their expertise to get answers.

February 25

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