The processing of emotional signals usually causes an increase in pupil size, and this effect has been largely attributed to autonomic arousal prompted by the stimuli. The results showed that during emotion recognition, the time course of pupil response was driven by the decision-making process.

Abnormalities such as an irregular pupil size or shape, or a delayed or nonreactive pupil can be indicative of significant head trauma. A score of 2 means both pupils are non-reactive to light; a score of 1 means one pupil is non-reactive; and a score of 0 means neither pupil is non-reactive.

When we have a physiological response, such as fear, surprise, or attraction, this can also make our pupil bigger. The dilation of the pupils is also referred to as mydriasis. So, it turns out the “look of love” might actually be a real thing.

Do your pupils dilate when you look at someone you like? In a way – yes. Dopamine causes your pupils to dilate (widen) as a side effect. So, it’s possible that when you look at a loved one and notice their pupils are dilated, it’s a sign they have strong feelings for you.

Stimulation of the autonomic nervous system’s sympathetic branch, known for triggering “fight or flight” responses when the body is under stress, induces pupil dilation. Whereas stimulation of the parasympathetic system, known for “rest and digest” functions, causes constriction.

Pinpoint pupils are not a disease on their own, but they can indicate an underlying medical problem. Anyone experiencing pinpoint pupils with no apparent cause should see a doctor as soon as possible. Many of the causes of pinpoint pupils are serious medical conditions, such as opioid dependency or pesticide poisoning.

One of the most likely reasons someone might have pinpoint pupils is the use of narcotic pain medications and other drugs in the opioid family, such as:

• codeine.
• fentanyl.
• hydrocodone.
• oxycodone.
• morphine.
• methadone.
• heroin.

When the body is stressed, your pupils dilate to allow more light to enter so you can see potential threats more clearly. However, high levels of adrenaline can cause pressure on the eyes, resulting in blurred vision.

Can Anxiety Cause Eye Flashes? Rapid heart rate, fast breathing, and a sudden, overwhelming feeling of panic — anxiety can cause these physical and mental changes. Some people report other changes when their anxiety is high, namely, floaters or flashes of light that have them seeing stars.

Unfortunately, eye floaters can be a real nuisance in work environments with very bright computer screens or backlighting. The best solution in these circumstances is to turn down the brightness on your computer monitor and eliminate sources of glare, such as from a window or bright lighting.

While brain fog is pretty common, it’s not a condition on its own. But it can be a symptom of several issues — anxiety and stress among them. If your brain is a computer, ongoing anxiety and stress are those programs that run in the background and use up tons of memory and make everything else run slowly.

Rather than trying to stop or get rid of an anxious thought, give yourself permission to have it, but put off dwelling on it until later.

1. Create a “worry period.” Choose a set time and place for worrying.
2. Write down your worries.
3. Go over your “worry list” during the worry period.

Supplements to help stop brain fog

• Fish Oil – contains long chain omega 3 fatty acids, DHA.
• Ginkgo Biloba Extract – widely studied for its effective anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, platelet-forming and circulation-boosting effects.
• Choline Bitartrate – Choline is chemically related to the B group of vitamins.

“’Brain fog’ is not a disease or disorder, but a set of symptoms that include a general feeling of fatigue and cognitive inefficiencies, such as reduced concentration and difficulty with memory,” said Cynthia Funes, PhD, a clinical neuropsychologist at Banner – University Medicine Neurosurgery Clinic in Phoenix, AZ.

Vitamin B-12 supports healthy brain function, and a vitamin B-12 deficiency can bring about brain fog. If you have food allergies or sensitivities, brain fog may develop after eating certain foods. Possible culprits include: MSG.

Most conditions that result in head pressure aren’t cause for alarm. Common ones include tension headaches, conditions that affect the sinuses, and ear infections. Abnormal or severe head pressure is sometimes a sign of a serious medical condition, such as a brain tumor or aneurysm. However, these problems are rare.

Brain fog can be a symptom of a nutrient deficiency, sleep disorder, bacterial overgrowth from overconsumption of sugar, depression, or even a thyroid condition. Other common brain fog causes include eating too much and too often, inactivity, not getting enough sleep, chronic stress, and a poor diet.

Although “brain fog” is not a medically recognized term, it’s a common feeling that many people suffer with. But, even though many people experience it, brain fog is by no means normal.In fact, it is avoidable and 100% treatable.

Stress or anxiety Stress can sometimes lead to tingling in the head. Stressful situations activate your body’s fight-or-flight response. Stress hormones, such as norepinephrine, direct blood to the areas of the body that need it most. As a result, you might experience tingling or a lack of sensation in other areas.

Sleep plays an essential role in the function of the glymphatic system. Getting enough sleep each night is one of the best ways to support your brain’s natural detoxification process….Consider your diet

1. large meals.
2. heavy or rich foods.
3. spicy and acidic foods.
4. caffeine (including chocolate)
5. alcohol.

Take a Technology Break

1. Attend a yoga class in your neighborhood.
2. Go for a walk in the park. Find a quiet place and try meditation techniques with step-by-step instructions.
3. Make it a low-tech day. Keep your television, computer, cellphone and other electronics turned off.
4. Stretch at home.
5. Take a bath.

Fasting improves cognition, stalls age-related cognitive decline, usually slows neurodegeneration, reduces brain damage and enhances functional recovery after stroke, and mitigates the pathological and clinical features of epilepsy and multiple sclerosis in animal models.

How to maintain brain health

1. Exercise regularly.
2. If you smoke, quit.
3. Take care of your heart.
4. Avoid a high-sugar diet.
5. Keep your mind stimulated.
6. Avoid certain drugs.
7. Moderate or avoid alcohol.
8. Prevent falls.

When Do Mental Powers Peak?

• 18-19: Information-processing speed peaks early, then immediately begins to decline.
• 25: Short-term memory gets better until around age 25.
• 30: Memory for faces peaks and then starts to gradually decline.
• 35: Your short-term memory begins to weaken and decline.

Aerobic exercise, like running and swimming, appears to be best for brain health. That’s because it increases a person’s heart rate, “which means the body pumps more blood to the brain,” says Okonkwo. But strength training, like weight lifting, may also bring benefits to the brain by increasing heart rate.

Three B vitamins are often linked with brain health: B6, B9 (folate), and B12. They can help break down homocysteine, high levels of which have been associated with a greater risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. B vitamins also help produce energy needed to develop new brain cells.