Brain Frog — My COVID Self-Portrait
I feel like my brain has gone on vacation without me. The clarity I once had is currently MIA. As I navigate my second battle with COVID, I’ve encountered a particularly frustrating phenomenon: brain fog. When I tried to explain "brain fog" to my sister, it amusingly morphed into "Brain Frog," which perfectly encapsulated my experience. Naturally, I had to illustrate my Brain Frog because it feels like a little guy has hopped into my head and replaced what I had left of my brain with a fuzzy, slightly dazed-and-confused version of myself. While I’m only six days out from my positive test, I’m hoping this lovely little side effect disappears sooner rather than later.
This type of memory lapse isn't entirely new to me; it echoes my experiences post-seizure. After having a grand mal seizure, basic words can become elusive to me. I can visualize them, yet they remain just out of reach—simple words like "for" and “to” slip right through my metaphorical fingers, leaving me grappling with silence. For those who may not have experienced a seizure but have had COVID-related brain fog, you may understand that frustration. The two days following a seizure are particularly challenging, with my body feeling like I got hit by a tracker trailer, but the effects can linger for up to a month.
I wanted to illustrate my experience to help those unfamiliar with seizures understand just how disorienting these experiences can be. The similarities between COVID brain fog and post-seizure cognitive lapses reveal the fragility of our cognitive processes. Whether it’s the aftermath of a viral infection or a neurological episode, the impact on our ability to think clearly and express ourselves can be profound. I consider myself extremely fortunate that my last seizure was almost eight years ago, but some people experience seizure activity monthly, weekly, daily, or even multiple times a day.
It’s important to remember that COVID isn’t just a simple cold. For people like me, who also deal with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, POTS, endometriosis, ADHD, and several other conditions, the virus can wreak havoc on the body in more extreme and debilitating ways. The struggle isn't merely the week of being sick; it’s the aftermath that complicates our daily lives. For example, in many people with epilepsy, fevers can trigger seizures, so even COVID itself can provoke seizures in individuals who may otherwise be stable.
My first experience with COVID was in October 2023. It hit me, HARD. I had all the symptoms: GI issues, cough, stuffy nose—you name it, I had it. TMI warning: if you don’t want a gross and embarrassing yet somewhat hysterical detail, feel free to skip to the next paragraph. I had just moved in with my boyfriend a few weeks prior, and the poor guy had to hand me a garbage bag to vomit in while I was simultaneously dealing with uncontrollable diarrhea. GROSS.
But that wasn’t the hard part! Since last October, I have experienced significantly more severe period cramping, an astronomical increase in cerebral palsy-related pain and spasticity, and more POTS events (heart racing, blood pressure drops, and feeling faint)—likely due to inflammation caused by COVID. While I had already been attending regular physical and occupational therapy, the pain was so severe that I started incorporating acupuncture and chiropractic therapy more frequently.
Thankfully, in the last two months, I saw my naturopath, who suggested adding turmeric supplements to my daily regimen as well. Within two weeks of taking a high-quality supplement, along with regular acupuncture and ongoing physical and occupational therapy, I went from wearing my arm brace 3-7 times a week to not needing it at all. I was THRILLED! But, just a few weeks short of a year since my first infection, COVID got me again. I felt discouraged, but I’m staying hopeful that by continuing to use natural anti-inflammatories and taking care of myself—through PT/OT, acupuncture, exercising, and eating well—I can keep the longer-term pain symptoms at bay.
Art has always been therapeutic for me, allowing me to express these struggles visually. In creating "Brain Frog," I found a way to bring humor and awareness to my experiences, emphasizing the importance of understanding brain fog—whether from COVID or seizures. Both conditions can cause forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, and an overwhelming sense of mental fatigue. This cognitive cloudiness currently affecting me serves as a reminder of the need for empathy and understanding for others. By sharing my illustrations and experiences, I aim to shed light on the often invisible battles many face. Let’s continue to support one another through our unique challenges, one froggy thought at a time!
Tips for Managing Your Brain Frog
If you or someone you know is grappling with brain fog—whether due to COVID or other health issues—there are strategies that may help alleviate symptoms:
Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can contribute to cognitive difficulties. Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Get Enough Sleep: Quality sleep is crucial for cognitive function. Establish a regular sleep schedule and create a restful environment.
Engage in Physical Activity: Exercise can improve circulation and boost mental clarity. Even light activities like walking can be beneficial.
Practice Mindfulness: Techniques like meditation or deep-breathing exercises can help reduce stress and improve focus.
Limit Multitasking: Focus on one task at a time to reduce mental overload and improve productivity.
Things I’ve Found Helpful for COVID-Related Pain and Inflammation
Regular Acupuncture: Consistency is key; I go once a month. Check your insurance—some cover it!
Chiropractic Therapy: Regular sessions have been extremely helpful, and some insurance plans cover this too.
Physical & Occupational Therapy: I can only go once a month due to insurance, but regular therapy has been beneficial. Every body is different! There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but therapists can help you learn the best ways to navigate the world in your body.
Turmeric: Turiva is the high-quality supplement my naturopath recommended, and it has helped tremendously. I can’t take many NSAIDs due to my esophagitis, but this natural anti-inflammatory has worked better than any other turmeric supplement I’ve tried.
If I discover any other helpful tips, I’ll continue to add them! Feel free to email me if you have any suggestions too! Thanks for reading! Cheers!
Here is the timelapse video of me drawing my brain frog!
