Last Updated: October 2025

Many people recovering from COVID-19 report feeling like their brain just “isn’t the same.” They may struggle to focus, forget words mid-sentence, or feel like they’re thinking through fog. This lingering problem—often called “brain fog” or post-COVID cognitive decline—has become one of the most common and frustrating long-term effects of viral illness. Fortunately, at The Carroll Institute in Sarasota, Dr. Garland Glenn, DC, PhD, AFMC uses Functional Neurology to help restore brain clarity and communication through targeted neuroplasticity exercises and metabolic repair.

Understanding Post-COVID Brain Fog

After COVID-19, the brain can experience inflammation, disrupted oxygen flow, and metabolic stress. Research shows that even mild infections can alter blood flow to the brain and affect neurotransmitter balance (NIH, 2022). The result is a sluggish communication network between neurons. People often describe it as “feeling spaced out,” “disconnected,” or “mentally slow.”

Traditional medicine doesn’t offer many solutions beyond rest and time. However, Functional Neurology approaches post-COVID brain fog differently—it focuses on reactivating underperforming neural circuits and restoring the brain’s communication pathways. This approach uses neuroplasticity to help the brain heal itself, even months or years after infection.

How Functional Neurology Targets Post-COVID Cognitive Symptoms

Functional Neurology identifies which brain regions are struggling to process information efficiently. For example, inflammation or reduced blood flow in the frontal lobes can affect focus and decision-making, while underactivity in the cerebellum may cause dizziness or balance problems. Through specific stimulation techniques, these areas can be reactivated, improving clarity and coordination.

• Visual-motor retraining helps synchronize eye movements with brain activity to improve focus.
• Balance and vestibular exercises recalibrate how your brain interprets motion and body position.
• Cognitive activation drills strengthen memory, reaction time, and problem-solving abilities.

These exercises are customized after your Functional Neurology exam, which maps how your brain, body, and sensory systems are communicating. Each stimulation is designed to “wake up” specific neural pathways and reinforce them through repetition, allowing new circuits to form—a process called neuroplasticity.

The Role of Brain Energy and Oxygenation

Post-COVID inflammation often reduces mitochondrial efficiency—the ability of your cells to produce energy. When neurons don’t get enough energy or oxygen, their firing slows, causing brain fog, headaches, and fatigue. To counter this, The Carroll Institute uses the Neuronic Photobiomodulation Helmet, a non-invasive light therapy that improves oxygen delivery and boosts mitochondrial activity (Science Advances, 2022).

By increasing blood flow to the cortex, photobiomodulation enhances neuron energy and helps restore clear thinking and alertness. It’s safe, painless, and scientifically proven to support brain recovery after both viral and traumatic injury.

Rebuilding Coordination and Focus with Sensorimotor Therapy

Brain fog isn’t just about memory—it often affects physical coordination and focus. The Neurosensory Motor Integrator (SMI) helps retrain these abilities by engaging visual, auditory, and motor pathways simultaneously (RKB Instruments). Patients use a touchscreen to perform rapid visual-motor responses, helping the brain rebuild timing, accuracy, and rhythm. Over time, this improves not only focus but also mood, balance, and confidence.

By combining the SMI with the Neuronic Helmet, patients experience synergistic benefits—energy production increases, and neurons rewire faster. You can learn more about how these therapies work together in How Photobiomodulation and Sensory Therapy Rebuild Brain Pathways.

Addressing the Root Causes of Post-COVID Brain Changes

Functional Neurology doesn’t stop at stimulation—it also addresses the biochemical and metabolic roots of brain fog. Dr. Glenn integrates the Bredesen ReCODE Protocol to assess inflammation, blood sugar, hormones, and nutrient status. Because inflammation and oxidative stress play major roles in post-viral cognitive issues, addressing these root causes helps the brain respond more effectively to therapy.

Patients who combine metabolic support with neurorehabilitation typically see faster and more sustainable improvements. This comprehensive approach is why The Carroll Institute’s program stands out—each plan is tailored to the individual’s physiology and neurological profile.

Typical Results and Recovery Timeline

Most patients notice initial improvements—such as sharper focus, less fatigue, and more mental energy—within the first month of therapy. Over time, as brain circuits strengthen, symptoms like word recall problems, difficulty multitasking, and slow processing speed continue to improve. Recovery time depends on the severity of inflammation and how long symptoms have been present, but the brain’s capacity for change remains strong, even long after illness.

What Makes The Carroll Institute Unique

Dr. Glenn has completed over 500 hours of advanced training under Dr. Ted Carrick, the founder of Functional Neurology. This deep expertise allows him to identify subtle neurological imbalances and guide patients through precise, measurable recovery steps. The Carroll Institute is Sarasota’s only Functional Neurology and ReCODE-certified clinic specializing in cognitive decline, brain fog, and neurodegeneration.

Taking the First Step Toward Clarity

If you’re still struggling with brain fog months after COVID, don’t wait for it to fade on its own. Functional Neurology can help your brain heal, restore energy, and regain clarity. Book a Discovery Call with The Carroll Institute today to learn how personalized neurorehabilitation and metabolic support can help you feel focused and clear again.

Sources

• Functional Neurology Overview — The Carroll Institute
• Long COVID Cognitive Impairment — NIH (2022)
• Photobiomodulation Improves Brain Energy — Science Advances (2022)
• Neurosensory Motor Integrator — RKB Instruments
• Precision Medicine Approach to Alzheimer’s — NIH (2023)

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