Appointment Hotline: (214) 390-7557
Appointment Hotline: (214) 390-7557
By Dr. Robert Groysman, MD | Diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine
Brain fog is one of the most common and frustrating symptoms after COVID-19. Many patients describe it as feeling like their mind is wrapped in cotton—difficulty focusing, slowed thinking, and memory problems that make everyday tasks feel insurmountable. At the Covid Institute in Plano, we help patients across Dallas–Fort Worth understand what causes brain fog and explore safe, evidence-based treatment options to reclaim their cognitive clarity.
Brain fog isn’t a medical diagnosis, it’s used to describe the maddening experience of cognitive dysfunction. Patients in my Plano clinic, they tell me stories sounding remarkably similar: “Before I could multitask, but now I can barely do one thing at a time.”
Others struggle to find words, or describe walking into rooms and forgetting why they’re there.
Medically, brain fog encompasses several cognitive symptoms including difficulty concentrating, short-term memory problems, mental fatigue, and reduced processing speed.
Or the feeling like your mental hardware is running on outdated equipment where everything takes longer and requires more effort.
The relationship between COVID-19 and brain fog has emerged as one of the most significant discoveries in Long COVID research.
An estimated 7% of adults—about 17 million people—in the United States reported having Long COVID in March 2024, with close to half reporting poor memory or brain fog.
What’s particularly striking about COVID-related brain fog is its persistence. While some patients recover within weeks, others find themselves dealing with cognitive symptoms stretching for months or even years.
In our practice, I’ve seen patients who were high-functioning professionals, engineers, teachers, healthcare workers, who are suddenly unable to perform tasks that once came effortlessly. So you’re not alone.
The mechanisms behind COVID brain fog are becoming clearer. Scientists at Trinity College Dublin made a major discovery showing blood vessel ‘leakiness’ in the brains of Long COVID patients suffering with brain fog. They were able to distinguish those with cognitive decline from those without brain fog.
According to the study, the key driver of lasting cognitive symptoms appears to be blood-brain barrier disruption, combined with sustained inflammation
When patients come to our Plano clinic, they often struggle to articulate their symptoms. The most common symptoms I encounter include:
What makes these symptoms particularly challenging is their unpredictability. Patients tell me about good days and bad days, with cognitive function fluctuating in ways that make planning and working incredibly difficult.
At our Plano clinic, we approach brain fog as a complex, multi-system problem requiring personalized solutions. Every patient receives a comprehensive medical evaluation to identify the underlying mechanisms driving their cognitive symptoms.
Our assessment process begins with understanding your unique symptom pattern, medical history, and functional goals. We look for signs of dysautonomia, MCAS (mast cell activation syndrome), and mitochondrial dysfunction, all conditions that can contribute to cognitive symptoms.
Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB): This innovative procedure has shown remarkable promise for Long COVID symptoms, including brain fog. In a recent study of 41 patients, brain fog was present in 80% of individuals, and 80% of those suffering from brain fog reported relief after SGB treatment. The procedure works by temporarily blocking sympathetic nerve activity, allowing the autonomic nervous system to “reboot.”
Learn more about Stellate Ganglion Block treatment and how it may help restore cognitive function.
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS): This non-invasive treatment helps restore balance to the autonomic nervous system and has shown benefits for cognitive function in some patients. Our Vagus Nerve Stimulation approach focuses on optimizing the brain-body connection.
Epipharyngeal Abrasive Therapy (EAT): This unique treatment addresses inflammatory processes that may contribute to brain fog and other Long COVID symptoms. Learn about our specialized EAT protocol.
Recovery from brain fog requires more than medical interventions. We provide guidance on:
All treatment options include a thorough discussion of risks, benefits, and alternatives during your consultation.
We encourage patients to seek evaluation if brain fog symptoms:
Early intervention often leads to better outcomes, and there’s no benefit to “toughing it out” when effective treatments are available.
The Covid Institute is conveniently located in Plano, serving patients throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. We welcome patients from Dallas, Fort Worth, Frisco, McKinney, Allen, Richardson, and surrounding communities.
Location: Our clinic is easily accessible with ample parking and is designed to accommodate patients who may be dealing with fatigue or mobility issues related to Long COVID.
Booking Options: We offer both in-person consultations and telemedicine appointments to meet your needs and energy levels.
Is brain fog permanent?
While brain fog can be persistent, it’s rarely permanent. With appropriate treatment, most patients see significant improvement over time. The key is identifying and addressing the underlying mechanisms driving the symptoms.
Can brain fog be prevented?
There’s no guaranteed way to prevent brain fog after COVID, but maintaining good overall health, managing stress, and seeking early treatment for persistent symptoms may help minimize severity and duration.
Does insurance cover Long COVID treatment?
Most insurance plans have limited coverage for Long COVID treatments, particularly innovative approaches like SGB. At Covid Institute, we don’t accept insurance but offer flexible payment options to make care accessible.
Dr. Robert Groysman is board-certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine and serves on the medical advisory boards of React19 and Long Covid Alliance. He has treated hundreds of Long COVID patients at the Covid Institute in Plano, Texas.
Disclaimer: Treatment results vary among individuals. Some therapies described are investigational or used off-label for Long COVID. All risks, benefits, and alternatives are thoroughly reviewed during your consultation with Dr. Groysman. This article has been medically reviewed and reflects current evidence-based understanding of Long COVID brain fog as of September 2025.
References: Content is based on peer-reviewed research from institutions including Trinity College Dublin, Yale Medicine, University of Minnesota, and Northwestern Medicine, along with clinical experience treating Long COVID patients.