Does your brain feel like it's on fire? Brain inflammation causes and treatments.
If you've ever felt like your brain is on fire, you're not alone. Burning brain is a condition where the brain is inflamed and often leads to reduced brain functions. The most common symptoms of brain inflammation are brain fog, forgetting things, and having trouble focusing.
While most brain inflammation is not a life-threatening condition, chronic inflammation can be very frustrating to deal with as brain function is typically reduced. There are many possible causes, including autoimmune conditions, viral infection, and spinal cord injuries.
What is brain inflammation?
It's a condition where the brain becomes inflamed and can cause a burning feeling in the brain. This burning sensation is often accompanied by brain fog, which can make it difficult to think clearly or focus. Other symptoms include fatigue, headaches, and dizziness. While these symptoms can be extremely debilitating, there are options available that can help reduce inflammation and improve brain function.
There are a few things that can cause brain inflammation. One is an infection. Another is an autoimmune disease or a weakened immune system, where the body attacks itself. And lastly, it can be caused by a traumatic injury or chronic mechanical tension of brain tissue.
What's brain fog?
If you're feeling forgetful, confused, and lacking in focus, you may be experiencing brain fog. It's one of the most common symptoms of brain inflammation, making it difficult for neurons to communicate with each other and leading to a slowdown in brain function.
When your brain cells don't communicate well with each other, it can cause symptoms like confusion, forgetfulness, and a lack of focus and mental clarity. When neurons in the brain cannot communicate efficiently, it's common to experience reduced brain function, memory loss, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, and even hearing loss.
Brain fog can be a serious condition if not properly treated. However, most people can experience a full recovery from the most common symptoms provided they receive a timely diagnosis that identifies the primary cause of the medical conditions and they seek care right away.
What causes brain inflammation?
There are many potential causes, and some of the most common are:
Autoimmune disorders
Autoimmune disorders happen when your body attacks itself. This can happen for various reasons, but it often happens because something triggers your immune system to act differently than it normally would. Chronic brain inflammation is a common symptom of autoimmune disorders that affects brain tissue, specifically the brain's immune cells.
Infections
Infections are one of the most common causes of brain inflammation. This is because infections often lead to inflammation. Viral infections, bacteria, and parasites can all cause infections that lead to brain inflammation.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
TBI is a leading cause of brain inflammation. TBI can happen from a blow to the head or from a sudden jolt to the head. Concussions are a type of TBI. TBI can cause a wide range of problems, including:
- physical problems
- cognitive problems
- emotional problems
- social problems
TBI can be mild, moderate, or severe. It can happen to anyone at any age.
Additionally, several other factors can lead to brain inflammation including a decrease in immune cells, increased stress levels, depression, anxiety, seizures, dementia, reduced sleep, and certain medications.
How to treat brain inflammation?
The good news is that most cases of brain inflammation can be treated and brain function restored if you take action quickly.
If it's due to an infection, you'll likely need antibiotics or other medications. If it's from an autoimmune disease, you may need medication to suppress the immune system. And if it's from a traumatic injury, neurological rehabilitation is often needed.
If you think you have brain inflammation, it's important not to ignore it. Seek the help of a doctor who specializes in diagnosing the signs of brain inflammation, identifying the underlying cause, and prescribing personalized care designed to accelerate the healing process.
Recent advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of brain inflammation include these other therapies.
Functional Neurology
Functional neurology can successfully treat brain inflammation. It's a discipline of medicine that uses the nervous system to treat conditions like brain fog. This treatment is based on the understanding that the brain can be rewired to improve symptoms and a patient's overall cognitive function.
Another example of functional neurology helping patients with brain inflammation is by stimulating the autonomic nervous system to improve blood flow to the brain.
Brain Imaging
Another alternative treatment pathway is to utilize brain imaging approaches such as qEEG to assist in diagnosing the source of the problem. qEEG, or quantitative electroencephalography, is a brain mapping technique that measures and records electrical activity in the brain. This information can be used to identify areas of the brain that are not functioning properly. Once the underlying cause is discovered, it can be addressed accordingly.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a treatment that involves breathing oxygen in a chamber with increased atmospheric pressure. HBOT can be an effective treatment for brain inflammation by reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
Cold Laser Therapy
Cold laser therapy is a treatment that uses low-level lasers or light-emitting diodes to stimulate healing. This therapy is proven to help reduce inflammation and promote healing by increasing blood flow.
During cold laser therapy treatments, a low-level laser is directed at the area of your body that needs to heal. Cold laser therapy is generally painless and you may feel a warm or tingling sensation during the treatment.
Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback is a sophisticated form of biofeedback that uses real-time brainwave monitoring to help people learn to self-regulate their brains. Backed by decades of scientific research, neurofeedback is a safe, non-invasive method that can help people of all ages improve brain health.
Brain Health Nutrition
There is some evidence that certain nutrients can help reduce brain inflammation. These include omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin (a component of turmeric), and green tea. Adding these nutrients to your diet, especially sufficient essential fatty acids may help reduce symptoms.
Several brain health supplements can help improve brain function, reduce chronic inflammation, and boost immune cells.
Healthy Blood Sugar Levels
High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in your brain, and this damage can lead to inflammation. Controlling your blood sugar levels by eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight is one of the best things you can do for your brain health.
Active Meditation
Meditation can be an effective treatment for brain inflammation. Meditation is a practice that involves focusing on your breath and clearing your mind of thoughts. This can help reduce chronic stress and promote relaxation. Meditation can help reduce inflammation in the body.
Yoga
Yoga can be beneficial in reducing inflammation throughout the body, including the brain. In one study, participants who did yoga for 12 weeks had significantly lower levels of inflammation markers than those who didn't do yoga.
Reducing Stress
There's no one-size-fits-all approach to treating brain inflammation, but reducing stress is a good place to start. Stress can worsen the symptoms of brain inflammation and chronic stress is one of the contributing factors to depression, so finding ways to relax and de-stress can be helpful. Some simple things that may help include, taking breaks throughout the day to relax, practicing meditation or mindfulness, and exercising regularly.
How to prevent brain inflammation?
The good news is that brain inflammation is preventable. There are a few things you can do to reduce the risk of developing brain inflammation:
Get regular exercise
Exercise can reduce inflammation throughout the body, including in the brain. It also helps to reduce stress and improve mood, and even moderate exercise can have a positive impact, so aim for 30 minutes per day.
Eat a healthy diet
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation. Foods like salmon, mackerel, tuna, walnuts, and flaxseeds are all excellent sources of sufficient essential fatty acids like omega-3s.
Avoid smoking
Smoking is a major risk factor for brain inflammation, which can lead to conditions such as Dementia and Alzheimer's disease. While the exact mechanisms are not fully known, it is clear that smoking greatly increases the risk of developing these conditions.
Reduce stress
Stress can contribute to inflammation throughout the body, including in the brain. Practicing stress-reduction techniques such as meditation or yoga can help to decrease stress and inflammation.
Get Good Sleep
One of the most important things you can do to prevent brain inflammation is to get enough rest. A good night’s sleep gives your brain a chance to rest and recover from the day’s activities. When you don’t get enough sleep, your brain doesn’t have a chance to recover, and this can lead to inflammation.
To learn more about how to prevent brain inflammation, or if you think you may be at risk, please schedule a free consultation or call us at (828) 708-5274. We'll be happy to chat with you and answer any questions you may have.
Author
DR. MICHAEL S. TRAYFORD
Dr. Michael S. Trayford is a Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist and Neurofeedback Specialist with over 20 years of experience in the practice of advanced functional neurology. He is one of the most highly sought-after brain rehabilitation specialists because of the life-changing outcomes his patients consistently experience. After over a decade in private practice and working alongside other pioneers in the field, Dr. Trayford developed his multimodal intensive brain training and rehabilitation program built around the science of Neuroplasticity – the ability of the brain to learn and grow dependent upon the stimulation it receives from its environment. He later founded APEX Brain Centers to combine his ground-breaking rehabilitation approach with a unique patient and caretaker-centered care model. Under Dr. Trayford’s leadership, APEX Brain Centers has successfully treated thousands of patients and earned the reputation of a world-renowned brain training and rehabilitation practice. Since its inception, Dr. Trayford has been a leader of the Brain Training revolution treating patients worldwide. In addition, he is a published journal contributor and international lecturer. His experience with various patients of all ages and neurological conditions has given him a unique perspective on brain health and human performance. He is also well-versed in collaborating with other health care professionals, making him an invaluable asset to any care team. Dr. Trayford was awarded the Functional Neurologist of the Year distinction by the International Association of Functional Neurology and Rehabilitation, where he is a proud member and conference lecturer. Currently, he serves on the Advisory Council for the Dementia Society of America and the Board of Directors for the International Society for Neuroregulation and Research. He is also a servant leader who has dedicated his adult life to serving multiple communities through Rotary International and other notable causes. When he’s not treating patients, Dr. Trayford usually reads or researches anything related to the brain, human performance, and leadership. He also loves spending time outdoors with his wife Denise, their two daughters, and dogs in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina. https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichaeltrayford/
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Thank you for the reading.
I got sick i January 2017 with what I thought was a normal flu. But with it, I got visual snow syndrome, constant burning pain in head and face, constant flu symptoms, could not regulate my own temperature or sleep more than minutes due to the ‘activity’ in my brain. I was almost bed bound for three years. With the hypothesis of a herpes variant and neuro inflammation, I got valaciclovir and low dose naltrexone at a private doctor. It and time helped with sleep, flu feeling and others. But today I live with the visual snow syndrome, tinnitus and attacks of pain in face and brain, beat described as trigeminal neuralgia type 2. Today I am active again and much much better, but it is hard to live with the condition inside my brain, coming and going and the immense pain attacks in brain and face, lasting from minutes to days. I live in Denmark and no one knows about late symptoms from virus, neuroinflammation or TN type 2. My brain react strongly to m meds for neuropathy and worsen all my symptoms. No one here in Denmark can or will help me. Do you have any suggestions for me? :,(
All the best
Iben
It would be best to discuss via video consultation to determine what options may be available for you. 828.708.5274.
Hello doctor , In 2012 I was bitten by a West Nile mosquito and contracted meningitis and encephalitis and my life changed Tremendously, my brain feels like it’s on fire, I am extremely fatigued. My vision is very blurry. I’m weak and I went from a very outgoing person to just Existing
I’ve lost all my drive and motivation. As mentioned before, this all happens in 2012. It is now 2024 I am 69 years old.and everyone thinks I’m crazy , or a hypochondriac ! I have severe brain fog I cannot concentrate. I cannot even watch TV and certain lighting effects my vision more than other lighting I’ve lost over 70 pounds in the past year and a half, IN my youth I had many motorcycle dirt bike and street bike accidents and have been knocked unconscious a few times . I was also a boxer when I was in high school and took many blows to the head. I also broke my back in 3 places in 2003, T10 T11&T12 , the doctors Just kept perscribing me hydrocodone for the pain, and when I got West Nile the doctors gave me hydrocodone and Steroids like candy, After a few months of taking hydrocodone I decided it was Affecting me in a negative way. So I reached out for help and when I did. I was told I would have to break a law to get help getting off of the hydrocodone. I finally found a doctor that prescribe me suboxone 8 mg 3 times a day. That was a very high dosage after a year or so I finally wing myself off.
Then a couple months later, a piece of equipment fell on me and hurt m e well. The doctor prescribed me the devil drugs again. Hydrocodone I did not want to take it. But after two weeks I went back to the doctor that gave me the suboxone Because I was going through withdrawals extremely bad In every time I try to stop my GI tract say no way, I am almost off of it again, I’m at 1mg 3 times a day I’m suffering in my GI tract but I’m determined to get away form satan’s drug, I’m so disappointed in today’s medical system, because as soon as I say the word suboxone their whole demeanor changes and treat me like a drug addict, and that is so far from the truth. I just want to be myself again but with all the brain fog and weakness, as well as the lack of motivation and drive I feel like this is the end of the road for me !
Oh just Recently I was Diagnosed with hypothyroidism. They are giving me.
Thyroid NP 0. 25 GR 15 MG.
I was also just diagnosed with a duodenal ulcer.
That is stress induced not from and infection, all I can say is my brain is on fire, my GI tract is very painful my left hip and both my legs are killing me and that just came on within a two day period , after I caught a girl was playing Dr after I told her to be careful about taking a Prescription of cipro she was given for a uti infection, I warned her about some of the sideffects that my wife and I both experienced while taking cipro, Within two days of taking cipro our legs began to become extremely painful to the point of hardly being able to walk, Because it causees ligament and tendon problems. Our doctors told us to discontinue taking it because of the reaction we were having.
I had told that girl all about it. Then I call her breaking open capsules of Cipro and putting it in my oatmeal one day, that’s when I figure out why my hip and legs began to hurt all of a sudden, that girl said an ulcer is an infection and the Dr was a quack and there was no way you can get an ulcer from stress, so she said she was just treating what the Dr said was not from an infection, after I told her what cipro did to my former wife and I. We suffered for approximately 3 months after we stopped taking the cipro, and it only took about 6 doses before it started affecting us, It was literally crippling.
I Immediately cut ties with that insane girl that was 2 months ago and my hip and legs are a just a little bit better but it’s still painful to walk.
I wanted to report her to law enforcement but it would be my word against hers even though I watched her open the capsules and pour the contents/ cipro into a bowl of oat meal she had prepared for me… read about sideffects of cipro or levquin they are both from the same family!!
I know the cipro has nothing to do with my brain being on fire and severe brain fog or my weakness or my lack of drive or motivation, I just wanted you to hear how crazy people can be by sneaking medication into other people’s food or drink, and playing Dr. By the way she knows everything about everything, and I’m paying the consequences from her unethical actions…
Thank you for your time on this matter, I just want me back !!
I put two email addresses in the email section/box.
Kindest Regards
Mark
Feel free to call us at 828.708.5127 if you’d like to discuss.
Hi I have been told I have brain inflammation. I suffer greatly from major depression and ocd. I’m 61. Had bad case of mono at 12, several car accidents, head injury and 15 stitches on eyebrow from fall on concrete. Had a concussion and supposedly chronic Lyme. I don’t know how to help myself
I also have fibromyalgia and high cholesterol. Fibro fog is an understatement . Could you please lead me in the proper direction? I’m feeling hopeless.
Thank you
Hello, and sorry to hear of your struggles. These are the types of cases we see daily at our clinic. Best to call us at 828.708.5274 to discuss with one of our doctors.
Doctor I am 53.
I awake from sleep as my brain feels like it’s self combusting.
Have you found this to be a common menopausal complaint?
It’s pretty scary.
It feels like my brain is being fried. Will the symptom disappear after menopause?
We certainly hear about brain issues related to menopause on a regular basis. Best to have some type of evaluation given your symptoms. Feel free to reach out to us to discuss with one of our doctors – 828.708.5274.
I have MS and get migraines . I don’t take medicine for the MS yet. And during Covid my Botox treatments stopped . I am experiencing a headache that feels as tho my brain is on fire and my neck and back of head feel stiff, plus I get nauseous almost dizzy. I have not had a neurologist since before Covid . We live in a rural area.
So sorry to hear of your struggles. There are modalities that can be quite helpful such as laser therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Best to call us at 828.708.5274. We do provide virtual care options.
Hello me in the morning when I wake I just felt like it’s hot and cold after few hours it’s becoming difficult for me to smell and taste, everything I smell smells funny and everything I taste taste very bad I can’t even eat it,can seizures can cause that and is it treatable,what must I do because I do drink my medication but still every now and then I get sick
Seizures can absolutely cause smell/taste changes. Feel free to call us at 828.708.5274 to discuss as there are therapies such as neurofeedback that can help with seizures.
I’ve been working with a pcp, neurologist, and neuro ophthalmologist due to an IIH diagnosis w/ papiledmema. After 9 months on Diamox I’ve been considered in remission due to the improvement of my papiledema but I continue to suffer from intense brain fog, memory and speech issues, and a burning brain sensation and a nerve pain that radiates down my left shoulder when my symptoms are heightened. Imaging MRI/V CTs all come back relatively normal and my doctors aren’t doing much else at this point. I’m 38 and afraid of dementia. Do my symptoms still sound like IIH or could it be something else as mentioned in your article?? (With IIH headaches often a symptom which I did experience but not that often my chief complaint has always been cognitive and brain fog)
Best to call us to discuss as there are many possibilities and considerations here that we cannot address in this format. Please call Traci at 828.708.5274 to set up a time to discuss with one of the doctors.
Encephalitis, not and cephalitis!
Wow. Just… wow. I believe that I have inflammation in my brain, possibly auto immune and cephalitis? Your article gives me hope that there might be someone who can help I live in Southern California. Can you recommend a physician here? Thank you SO MUCH for publishing this!
Best to call us to speak with one of the doctors – 828.708.5274. We are not aware of anyone in southern CA providing comprehensive care for encephalitis as we do, and have many travel to us for such. Take care.
Hello Dr Trayford I could identify with your description of brain inflammation – thank you for this. I have an autoimmune condition which is flared by fluorescent lighting. My work have changed my lights to LED now but if I have accidental/ unavoidable exposure to fluorescents I get long periods of recurring aura migraines. The most recent bout has lasted 6 months and has included frequent aura migraines and altered vision including periods of blurred vision. I find that post stress often triggers an aura and magnesium supplements seem to protect from this. Are you aware of why fluorescent lighting is a trigger and have you seen this before? Many thanks in anticipation
There is plenty of info on the web about hoe certain lights, including fluorescents, can cause/trigger headaches. That said, there is much that can be done about how your brain processes light/visual input. Best to call us at 828.708.5274 to discuss.
Thank you for replying. That is interesting to read. It is good to read a validation that the brain itself is being affected by the light – I experience a lot of gaslighting and disbelief when I explain what happens to me under fluorescents. Will look at your website further. Best wishes
Dear sir ,
I have trouble speaking. Thinking , walking , tremors , finger twitching , brain feels hot , severe ear hissing, eyes moving in thier own , zero emotions , yet intrusive thoughts that are frontal. Let some of head hurts very badly
I now have looping thoughts and can’t see properly. Numbness in Body. Hands. Tounge.
Suggestions
I honestly feel very ill
Hello. Best to call us at 828.708.5274 to discuss. There is much to talk about and we are unable to make suggestions without knowing any of your history.
If MRi nand CT scan will not show if you are bleeding internally after a brain injury , what can you do when still unwell
So much to consider with history, alternate diagnostic testing, lab work, etc. Best to call us at 828.708.5274 to discuss with one of our providers.
What would be beneficial for Non Pressure Hydrocephalus? A shunt was placed 5 years ago and I have had no problems at all with walking until recently. Now my walking has slowed considerably. It feels like my feet are glued to the ground. Recently had a Cat Scan and consulted with a neurologist. He said scan & shunt are fine, shunt still set at original level as when it was first installed. But my walking has deteriorated. Any thoughts?
So much to consider with history, diagnostic testing, etc. It may be related to vestibular system, eye movements, etc. Best to call us at 828.708.5274 to discuss with one of our providers.
Thank you so much for this enlightening article .
I have pretty much all the symptoms you describe .
My symptoms started in June 2022 right contracting COVID . Could this be what we call “ long COVID” ?And would it be a possible cause for my brain to be in a constant burning sensation ? Even Tylenols do not help .
Who should I get a referral to? A specialized neurologist or other ?
Thank you so much for getting back to me .
Have a good day
Best to call us at 828.708.5274 to discuss with one of our doctors.
I have this same condition after receiving the Moderna vax. My brain feels like it’s on fire everyday day for a year now. It is excruciatingly painful.
so sorry to hear this do you still have this yet I have been suffering from having covid
I’m experiencing chronic brain and body burning all over.
I’m dying. Loss of sensation the pain is so incredible I just want to die while typing this. MRI, small vessel disease. I reckon c vaccine injury how can you go from perfect
To that much neurological pain you want out of here.
Hello, Please seek help as needed, and call us at 828.708.5274 to discuss. Take care!
I have head inflammation.
What type of medical issues would a person be put into Hyperbaric? A few of my family members have been treated in it, and their issues are very different from each other. It’s something I’ve seen great results in other people. I’m riddled with arthritis everywhere with multiple joint surgeries and replacements, with severe Osteoporosis, severe brain fog, unrelentless fatigue, dizziness, and vertigo with migraines, and weakness in arms/legs. It seems to me like it would treat just about anything? It seems like whatever this is, is attacking the structure of my body. Organs seem to be unaffected.
The conditions are numerous as it works with the most fundamental of physiological functions – blood flow, energy production, oxygenation, etc. Much of what you describe is treated with hyperbaric. The dizziness and vertigo would likely need to be considered separately. Feel free to call us at 828.708.5274 to discuss.
will a mri show if I have inflammation in my brain
Not necessarily. If there was frank/focal fluid accumulation due to a blow to the head or infection, then yes; although generalized inflammation will not be seen in most cases.
How can we be sure then it’s brain inflammation?
So much to consider with history, diagnostic testing, lab work, etc. Best to call us at 828.708.5274 to discuss with one of our providers.
Is it possible to have encephalitis without neck stiffness, temperature or seizures or double vision.. I have had a headache which came on suddenly at the back of my head after sneezing violently exactly 2 weeks ago. The headache got progressively worse throughout this past 2 weeks- it was non throbbing, not unilateral but an all over internal pressure headache that literally felt like my brain was swelling and about to burst out of my head . It got severely bad on day 8,9 and 10. I should also mention that about 3 weeks before the headache started I had a very severe bout of vomiting and diarrhoea that occurred over 3 weeks in 4 separate nouts of 3 days each. I was diagnosed with suspected gastroenteritis. My headache and pressure feeling is starting to decrease slightly but I am now left with a terrible problem with thinking properly and learning new info already with a strange numb feeling. Is it too late to ask about getting steroids if the headache is now decreasing slightly for the first time. A bit worried I have left this too late and either the sneeze cause a SA heamorrhage or I have had post infectious encephalitis? Grateful for any advice please.
Hello, and sorry to hear of your situation. First piece of advice would be to speak with a neurologist as they likely would recommend brain imaging and some lab tests. If symptoms are continuing, you’d also be advised to go to the ER as it may take a while to get in to a neuro specialist. Non-infections encephalitis like auto-immune encephalitis can be without the things you mention in the first sentence. We see quite a bit of this in practice. Feel free to contact us at 828.708.5274 once anything more serious has been ruled out as mentioned above. Take care!
Thank you….I have gained great knowledge from reading this
🙂