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. If you breathe in mold spores or come into contact with mold, you can 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.

This article will explain the potential neurological effects of mold exposure, what symptoms to watch for, and when you should 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 can cause infection is Cladophialophora bantiana, which can invade the brain and spinal cord. This can lead to a serious condition called central nervous system (CNS) infection. While CNS infections are rare, they can be very dangerous.

More commonly, mold exposure doesn’t cause direct infections but triggers an immune response in the body that affects the nervous system.

A 2021 animal study found that mold inhalation caused an innate immune response that led to problems with memory, anxiety symptoms, and other consequences.

Mycotoxins

Mycotoxins are toxic substances produced by certain types of mold. When mold grows inside buildings, it can release these mycotoxins into the air, which people can breathe in.

Mycotoxins can also harm the brain directly. Some research has shown that mold toxins may affect brain function by interfering with the nervous system’s communication pathways. This may lead to symptoms like headaches, memory problems, and sudden changes in mood.

Several neurological symptoms can result from mold exposure, and there’s often no way to tell who will be affected or what health complications might occur.

Symptoms can vary greatly depending on the person’s overall health, whether they have any underlying medical conditions, and the degree of mold exposure.

Some of the most common neurological symptoms are:

Headaches

Headaches are a common symptom of mold exposure and can range from mild to severe. Experts think 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 when it leads to CNS infections, can 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 can also affect your emotions, causing you to experience:

  • anxiety
  • depression
  • irritability
  • sudden changes in mood

The exact reason for this is still under examination, but one theory is that mold toxins may interfere with the chemicals in the brain that control mood and emotions.

Pain syndromes

Mold exposure can 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. This can include:

  • shaking or tremors
  • difficulty walking
  • problems with muscle coordination

Movement disorders related to mold exposure may be due to mycotoxins causing brain or nervous system damage.

Balance and coordination problems

In addition to movement and muscle control problems, mold exposure may also affect your balance and coordination, making it harder to walk or stand without falling. You may feel unsteady on your feet or have trouble performing tasks that require fine motor skills, like writing or using a computer or phone.

These problems may arise due to how mold toxins can affect the parts of the brain responsible for movement and balance.

Delirium

Delirium is a state of confusion or disorientation that can occur due to mold exposure. A 2021 report indicated that this may be due in part to the abnormal response of the immune system to mold exposure.

People who experience delirium may be unable to focus, think clearly, or understand what’s happening around them. This is a more severe symptom and usually requires immediate medical attention.

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.

Can exposure to mold cause peripheral neuropathy?

A 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.

How can I test myself for mold toxicity?

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.

How do you detox your body from mold?

  • 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.

Mold exposure can cause 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.