Brain Fog: Understanding the Cognitive Impacts of Migraine
Key Questions
- What are brain fog and cognitive impairment, and how do they relate to each other?
- How does brain fog interact with other migraine symptoms?
- Which cognitive functions are most affected during the different phases of a migraine attack?
- How can we differentiate between memory-related cognitive impairment due to migraine versus other conditions like dementia?
- What mechanisms are believed to contribute to migraine-related brain fog?
- What is cogniphobia, and how does it affect people with migraine?
- Are there preventive strategies or lifestyle changes that may reduce migraine-related cognitive dysfunction?
- How do migraine-associated comorbid conditions influence cognitive impairment?
Interview Notes
- Elizabeth Seng – Yeshiva University
- Elizabeth K. Seng, Ph.D. – Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Abstract: Cognition during ictal and interictal migraine phases: An ecological momentary assessment study
- Study: “Patient-reported experiences with migraine-related cognitive symptoms: Results of the MiCOAS qualitative study”
- Study: “Executive functions in migraine patients: A systematic review with meta-analysis”
- Study: “Development of the cogniphobia scale for headache disorders (CS-HD): A pilot study”
- X: @sengelizabeth
Treatments Mentioned
- Aerobic exercise
- Biofeedback
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dietary changes
- Relaxation techniques
- Stress management
- Weight-bearing exercise
- Yoga
Please note: The Migraine World Summit’s aim is to bring you a variety of perspectives and expertise, independent of bias or judgment. Alternative theories presented in this video have not been medically reviewed. Views expressed in this interview do not necessarily represent the views of the Migraine World Summit. Please always consult your health care professional and do your own research before making changes to your treatment plan.
Elizabeth (Betsy) Seng, PhD
Professor of Psychology & Neurology
Yeshiva University; Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Dr. Elizabeth K. Seng is an associate professor at the Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, and a research associate professor at the Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
Dr. Seng’s research is broadly focused on behavioral management of pain and headache disorders, particularly migraine. She is interested in the psychosocial factors associated with migraine attack onset, higher attack frequency, and migraine-related disability. She is also interested in improving acute medication adherence.
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