Problems with memory, balance, and other thinking and motor skills are among the potential health consequences of inhaling mold spores.
Mold is a type of fungus that can grow in damp places, like basements, bathrooms, or even on old food. Most homes have mold, and you may be wondering if the mold in your home is unhealthy.
It all depends on the type of mold in your home and the level of your exposure to it. If you breathe in some types of mold spores or come into contact with some molds, you may experience various health problems, including neurological symptoms.
Symptoms affecting the brain and nervous system can range from mild headaches to more serious problems like memory loss or difficulty walking. Children, older adults, and people who are pregnant or have weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to complications from mold exposure.
Read on to learn more about the potential neurological effects of exposure to toxic mold, what symptoms to watch for, and when to contact a doctor.
A 2020 study suggested that mold exposure can cause neurological symptoms in two main ways:
- through direct infections
- through the release of chemicals called mycotoxins
Central nervous system infections
One example of a mold that may cause infection is Cladophialophora bantiana, which can invade the brain and spinal cord – the central nervous system (CNS). This can lead to a serious condition called CNS infection. While these infections are rare, they can be very dangerous.
More commonly, mold exposure doesn’t cause direct infections but may trigger an immune response in the body that affects the nervous system.
A 2021 animal study found that mold inhalation may trigger an innate immune response that may lead to problems with memory, anxiety symptoms, and other consequences.
Mycotoxins
Mycotoxins are
Mycotoxins can also harm the brain directly. Some research suggests that mold toxins may affect brain function by interfering with the nervous system’s communication pathways, leading to symptoms like headaches, memory problems, sudden changes in mood, and movement difficulties.
People who experience mold exposure have reported neurological symptoms, and it’s often impossible to tell who will be affected or what health complications they may have.
Symptoms can vary greatly depending on overall health, whether any underlying medical conditions, and the degree of mold exposure.
Some of the most common neurological symptoms include:
Headaches
Headaches are a common symptom of mold exposure and can range from mild to severe. Experts suspect mold-related headaches are due to the body’s immune response to mold spores or mycotoxins.
People often describe mold-triggered headaches as dull, constant, or pressure-like. They can sometimes feel like a migraine, and you may experience nausea or sensitivity to light and sound.
Seizures
Mold, especially if it contributes to CNS infections, may trigger seizures in some people. The mycotoxins produced by certain types of mold may affect the brain’s electrical activity, leading to seizures.
Though much less common than headaches, seizures are a more serious neurological symptom. If someone experiences a seizure after mold exposure, it is important to get medical help immediately.
Brain fog
Mold exposure can also affect a range of thinking skills problems, such as difficulty with focus, concentration, and memory — a set of symptoms often referred to as “brain fog.” People with brain fog may feel mentally slow, distracted, or confused.
A 2023 study suggested that mycotoxins might disrupt typical brain function, making it harder for the brain to process information and think clearly.
Emotional issues
Mold exposure may also affect your emotions, causing you to experience:
- anxiety
- depression
- irritability
- sudden changes in mood
According to a 2021 study, people working or living in buildings with mold report symptoms including depression, anxiety, and cognitive changes.
In 2024, the Association of Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (AWMF) updated its guidance regarding the treatment of mold exposure. This document notes that the AWMF recognises mood disorders as a potential symptom of mold exposure.
The exact reason for mood changes related to mold exposure is still under investigation, but one theory is that mold toxins may interfere with the chemicals in the brain that control mood and emotions.
Pain syndromes
Mold exposure may cause inflammation, leading to painful joints and muscle aches. It may also be a factor in developing fibromyalgia, a condition in which you feel pain throughout your body for no clear reason.
A 2020 study also suggested a link between mold exposure and the onset or worsening of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a condition that tends to follow severe health concerns, such as infection, heart attack, or surgery.
CRPS can produce pain that seems disproportionate to the injury or illness that caused it. Like fibromyalgia, CRPS is a chronic condition without a cure. Symptom management is usually the goal of treatment.
Movement disorders
Some people exposed to mold may experience difficulty with movement called ataxia. This can include:
- shaking or tremors
- difficulty walking
- problems with muscle coordination
Movement disorders related to mold exposure
Balance and coordination problems
In addition to movement and muscle control problems,
These problems may arise due to how mold toxins may affect the parts of the brain responsible for movement and balance.
If you suspect that mold is affecting your brain or nervous system, it’s important to contact a doctor as soon as possible. Seek medical help if you experience persistent headaches, memory problems, seizures, or other unusual neurological symptoms.
Even if you’re unsure if mold is causing your symptoms, a doctor may be able to test for mold exposure and other potential triggers and recommend treatments to help manage them.
An older 2017 Finnish study of mold in homes, hospitals, schools, and other locations found that, though it rarely occurs, peripheral neuropathy is one of many neurological conditions associated with mold exposure. Peripheral neuropathy can lead to pain or numbness, often in the hands or feet.
Testing for mold toxicity typically involves a combination of blood tests and urine tests. These tests look for markers of mold exposure, such as mycotoxins in the body.
Sometimes, more involved testing is required to make a diagnosis, which is why it’s always best to see a doctor if you think you’ve been exposed to mold.
Detoxifying from mold exposure involves:
- removing the mold from your environment
- improving your diet
- staying hydrated
- sometimes using specific treatments like antifungal medications
Always consult a doctor for advice on the best way to detox rather than purchase over-the-counter products that may not be proven effective in detoxing your body from mold.
Many factors help determine how long it may take to recover from mold exposure, including length of exposure, type of mold, health conditions, and how quickly you get treatment.
Recovery may take several months if you’ve had chronic exposure; however, a chronic mold sensitivity can develop if the exposure is long term. Your doctor can create a treatment plan that may include medication. If you have a severe reaction to mold, you may need to avoid contact with mold completely going forward.
Mold exposure may be associated with a range of neurological symptoms, including headaches, memory problems, seizures, and mood changes. These symptoms are often due to the mycotoxins produced by mold, which can affect the brain and nervous system.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, as well as respiratory difficulties or other unexplained health problems, and you suspect mold exposure, contact a doctor for help.
The best way to prevent mold-related health problems is to reduce mold in your home by managing moisture levels and addressing water damage quickly.
If you see or strongly suspect mold in your home, you may want to hire a company that does mold testing and mitigation. Regular cleaning and ventilation can also help minimize your risk.