How Mold Affects the Brain: Neurological Symptoms You Should Know

Mold grows in damp corners and water-damaged buildings. It spreads through mold spores and mycotoxins, affecting the air you breathe. When mold enters the body, it can reach the nervous system and impact brain function.

Over time, exposure can lead to changes in cognitive function and overall health.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to identify neurological symptoms of mold exposure. You’ll also explore how mold affects the brain and what steps to take next.

What Are the Neurological Symptoms of Black Mold Exposure?

Mold spores and mycotoxins from water-damaged buildings enter the body through indoor air, triggering neurological symptoms. Over time, this exposure can lead to memory loss, cognitive impairment, and coordination problems.

Memory and Cognitive Issues

Toxic molds like Stachybotrys chartarum and Aspergillus release mold toxins that may cross the blood-brain barrier. These toxins disrupt the hippocampus, the brain’s center for memory, learning, and problem-solving.

People with mold growth exposure often struggle with:

• Difficulties with memory: Forgetting names, dates, and recent events
• Brain fog: A constant feeling of mental exhaustion
• Confusion: Difficulty processing thoughts or following conversations
• Inattention: Losing focus quickly, struggling to stay on task
• Problem-solving impairments: Trouble organizing thoughts or making decisions
• Disorientation: Feeling lost in familiar places
• Impaired hand-eye coordination: Slower reaction times and clumsiness

Cognitive decline from mold illness can resemble early Alzheimer’s or neurological disorders.

Neurological Deficits and Coordination Problems

Mold toxins can disrupt the central nervous system, leading to nerve dysfunction and motor issues. Over time, the damage can cause neuropathy, which affects movement and sensory function.

Common symptoms include:

• Vertigo: A spinning sensation, even when still
• Sensations of dizziness: Feeling off-balance or lightheaded
• Ataxia (lack of muscle coordination): Trouble walking, frequent stumbling
• Numbness and tingling: Loss of feeling in fingers, toes, or limbs
• Internal vibration: A buzzing or shaking sensation inside the body
• Sharp pain: Sudden nerve pain in different areas of the body
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears): Persistent ringing, buzzing, or clicking sounds
• Photophobia (sensitivity to light): Discomfort in bright rooms or outdoors
• Changes in smell and taste: Food tasting different, sudden loss of smell

Chronic Headaches and Migraines

Inflammation caused by mold toxins can trigger persistent headaches and migraines. Ochratoxin and other mold metabolites have been linked to chronic fatigue and widespread pain disorders.

Mold-related headaches often worsen in damp or water-damaged buildings. They may feel far more intense in rooms with poor indoor air quality. You may notice your symptoms Improve after spending time outside or in mold-free spaces

Long-Term Neurological Risks

Prolonged mold toxicity has been linked to serious neurological diseases.

Parkinson’s disease, for example, has been associated with mold exposure in past studies. Damage to dopamine-producing brain cells may develop into tremors and slow movement. Alzheimer’s disease may be another mold-associated condition marked by increased brain inflammation and memory loss.

Exposure to mold may also play a role in Multiple sclerosis (MS). There is a possible link between autoimmune activation and chronic mold exposure.

Can Mold Cause Behavior Problems, Seizures, or Mood Changes? 

Mold can also change how you think and feel. Mycotoxins from mold exposure can disrupt the nervous system, leading to mood swings and cognitive dysfunction. The brain, especially the hippocampus, is sensitive to black mold and Aspergillus toxins.

Mood and Emotional Changes

Toxic mold can cause:

• Irritability and mood swings: Sudden frustration or emotional outbursts
• Anxiety and panic attacks: Increased stress levels with no clear trigger
• Depression: Persistent sadness, loss of motivation, or withdrawal from daily activities

These symptoms may stem from inflammatory responses in the brain. Mold toxins can also weaken the immune system, making the body less able to regulate mood and stress levels.

Cognitive and Behavioral Issues

Exposure to mold spores in water-damaged buildings has been linked to:

• Increased aggression or impulsivity: Acting out without clear reason
• Lack of focus or hyperactivity: Struggling to complete tasks, similar to ADHD
• Brain fog and memory loss: Difficulty processing thoughts and recalling information

Studies suggest mold-related neurological symptoms can mimic neurodevelopmental disorders in children. Mycotoxin exposure may contribute to learning deficits and cognitive impairment.

Seizures and Neurological Dysfunction

In extreme cases, mold toxicity may trigger seizures or tremors. Some researchers believe mold toxins like ochratoxin can damage brain cells. This may lead to nervous system disorders. Long-term exposure could raise the risk of neuropathy, Parkinson’s, and other degenerative diseases.

Diagnosing and Treating Mold-Related Neurological Symptoms

Mold exposure can cause serious neurological symptoms. Many cases are misattributed to stress, aging, or unrelated conditions.

How Mold-Related Neurological Symptoms Are Diagnosed

Doctors may use several methods to identify mold-related illness and its effects on the nervous system:

• Blood tests: Detect antibodies, inflammatory markers, and mycotoxins.
• Neurocognitive exams: Assess memory, problem-solving, and cognitive function.
• MRI or brain scans: Identify abnormalities in the hippocampus and central nervous system.
• Mycotoxin exposure tests: Measure levels of ochratoxin, aspergillus, and penicillium toxins.

Mold Remediation and Legal Action

Removing indoor mold is key to recovery. Mold remediation specialists assess mold contamination, identify sources of dampness, and recommend treatments. If a landlord or property owner fails to address water damage, legal action may be an option.

Proper documentation can support a legal claim with:

• Medical records linking symptoms to mold exposure
• Environmental tests showing high mold levels in living spaces
• Reports from neurologists or healthcare professionals confirming mold toxicity

A lawsuit may help recover medical costs, lost wages, and damages for long-term neurological effects.

Treatment Options for Mold Toxicity 

Once exposure stops, treatment focuses on detoxifying the body and restoring brain function:

• Anti-inflammatory therapies: Reduce immune system activation and neurological dysfunction.
• Cognitive rehabilitation: Help rebuild memory and cognitive skills.
• Medications and supplements: Support neuropathy, chronic fatigue, and immune response.

Reach Out to Our Legal Team Today

Mold exposure can change your health, your memory, and your future. You may have a case if a landlord or property owner ignores the problem. Medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care costs add up. You shouldn’t have to pay for their negligence.

A free consultation can help you understand your rights. Gather your medical records, mold inspection reports, and any proof of unsafe conditions. The right legal team can help you build a strong case.

Don’t wait. Contact the Law Office of Paul Mankin today to discuss your options.