Clinician handoff
Ibd
Designed for a 60-second scan in primary care. Use this to explain why this theory fits, what would weaken it, and which tests are most worth discussing.
Why this still fits
I've been experiencing brain fog alongside my IBD - difficulty concentrating, word-finding problems, and slower thinking. I know research shows this is common in IBD (one study found 94% prevalence). I'd like to check whether nutritional deficiencies, medication effects, or ongoing subclinical inflammation might be contributing. Could we add B12, ferritin, vitamin D, and CRP to my next labs?
What would weaken it
- -Fog that doesn't change at all between flares and remission
- -Normal B12, ferritin, vitamin D, and CRP during cognitive symptoms
- -Fog that predated IBD diagnosis by years
- -Clear depression or anxiety driving the cognitive symptoms independently
Tests and measurements to discuss
B12 (serum or active B12) - especially for ileal Crohn's
What this helps clarify: More accurate than serum B12 for cellular deficiency
Range context
>50 pmol/L
How to use the result
Save the result with date and symptoms from the same week.
Ferritin (not just hemoglobin - ferritin catches iron depletion before anemia)
What this helps clarify: Iron storage marker that can affect energy, focus, and cognition.
Range context
40-100 ng/mL
How to use the result
Save the result with date and symptoms from the same week.
25-OH Vitamin D
What this helps clarify: Severe deficiency doubles dementia risk
Range context
40–60 ng/mL
How to use the result
Save the result with date and symptoms from the same week.
CRP and/or fecal calprotectin (subclinical inflammation check)
What this helps clarify: Gut inflammation marker - elevated in IBD, infections
Range context
<50 μg/g
How to use the result
Save the result with date and symptoms from the same week.
CBC with differential (anemia of chronic disease)
What this helps clarify: Core blood count panel used to review white cell patterns, hemoglobin, and platelet context.
Range context
Lab reference interval
How to use the result
Save the result with date and symptoms from the same week.
Folate (methotrexate and sulfasalazine deplete it)
What this helps clarify: Essential for methylation and neurotransmitter synthesis
Range context
>20 ng/mL
How to use the result
Save the result with date and symptoms from the same week.
Phosphate (if receiving IV iron - ferric carboxymaltose risk)
Peer-reviewed references