Lingering brain fog

[jules]

I had terrible ‘brain fog’ with the PE, which continued afterwards for a number of months – even now at 7 months PP I have a muzzy head which is sometimes swimmy, I feel like I am never quite awake - sort of disconnected and in a bubble. My BP is now back to normal (120/80) and all my blood tests ( taken at 3 months PP) came back normal, although liver function wasn't tested. What causes this fog? Is it to do with the raised urates? Is this something that just takes a while to pass or should I get more tests done? I know that it is normal to feel yucky in the first year after birth, but in other ways I am doing quite well, considering what my body has been through - it's just the brain stuff that lingers.

[expert on call]

Many women who have had preeclampsia complain of "brain fog" surrounding their deliveries and the events immediately postpartum. They seem to have patches of clear memory and other areas of fogginess. Their partners frequently remember the details much more clearly. I suspect the foggy memories are related to some degree of brain swelling when they are very sick. It may also be due to sleep deprivation.

I would not expect current "fogginess" to be related to preeclampsia 7 months postpartum. This does not necessarily mean that it is not related; I have just not heard this complaint. I suggest you mention it to your regular doctor.

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