What Could Cause a Head to Feel Foggy and Dizzy Simultaneously?

Reviewed by Suo Lee, MD

Internal Medicine

A foggy head and feeling dizzy at the same time can be caused by problems with the body's balance and brain function. Conditions like postural tachycardia syndrome, concussion, and vestibular migraine can all lead to these symptoms.

Explanation

There are several reasons why you might feel both foggy and dizzy at the same time. One possibility is a condition called postural tachycardia syndrome. In some people, changes in blood flow and how the body controls its automatic functions can make the brain feel foggy and cause dizziness. Drinking water sometimes helps because it can improve blood circulation. Another possible cause is a concussion or mild brain injury. A concussion can affect different parts of the brain, leading to a feeling of fogginess along with dizziness as the brain works to recover. Vestibular migraine is another condition where the balance centers in the inner ear are affected, which might make you feel dizzy and mentally unclear during an episode. Each scenario involves different parts of the brain and nervous system, showing that even though the sensation of fogginess and dizziness seems similar, it may be due to different underlying causes. If these symptoms persist or worsen, it is important to talk to a healthcare provider for more information.

(References)

Rodriguez B, Hochstrasser A, Eugster PJ, Grouzmann E, Müri RM, Z'Graggen WJ. Brain fog in neuropathic postural tachycardia syndrome may be associated with autonomic hyperarousal and improves after water drinking. Front Neurosci. 2022 Aug 5;16:968725. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2022.968725. Erratum in: Front Neurosci. 2023 Mar 14;17:1178850. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1178850. PMID: 35992935; PMCID: PMC9388780.
Danielli E, Simard N, DeMatteo CA, Kumbhare D, Ulmer S, Noseworthy MD. A review of brain regions and associated post-concussion symptoms. Front Neurol. 2023 Aug 3;14:1136367. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1136367. PMID: 37602240; PMCID: PMC10435092.
Beh SC, Abouzari M, Bassett AM, Buskirk J, Ceriani CEJ, Crowson MG, Djalilian H, Goebel JA, Kuhn JJ, Luebke AE, Mandalà M, Nowaczewska M, Spare N, Teggi R, Versino M, Yuan H, Zaleski-King A, Teixido M, Godley F. Care Gaps and Recommendations in Vestibular Migraine: An Expert Panel Summit. Front Neurol. 2022 Jan 3;12:812678. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2021.812678. PMID: 35046886; PMCID: PMC8762211.

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