
Post-stroke fatigue is a common condition that can have a big impact on a person's life. It is characterised by feelings of exhaustion, weariness, tiredness, and a lack of energy. Fatigue can last for a long time after a stroke, ranging from a few months to several years, and can affect anyone, regardless of the severity of the stroke. It is often under-recognised and under-diagnosed, and there is currently no effective treatment. Understanding the signs and symptoms of post-stroke fatigue is important to help manage it and improve quality of life.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Onset | Fatigue can start soon after a stroke or appear some time later. |
Duration | Acute fatigue can last up to 6 months, while chronic fatigue can persist for 2 years or more. Fatigue may still be present in one-third of patients up to 6 years after stroke onset. |
Severity | The intensity of fatigue does not appear to be related to the severity or type of stroke experienced. |
Factors | Biological, psychological, and lifestyle factors can contribute to fatigue. |
Treatment | Pharmacological treatments such as modafinil and fluoxetine have been evaluated, as well as non-pharmacological approaches like cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction. |
What You'll Learn
Fatigue can last for years after a stroke
Post-stroke fatigue is a common condition, with about half of survivors experiencing it. It is characterized by an overwhelming sense of tiredness, lack of energy, and difficulty sustaining routine actions, and it can last for years after a stroke. In fact, one study found that 80% of participants reported some level of fatigue impact seven years after their stroke.
The exact cause of post-stroke fatigue varies from person to person, and it can depend on biological, psychological, and lifestyle factors. It is often associated with physical and emotional changes after a stroke, such as damage to brain structures and neuroendocrine systems responsible for maintaining attention and wakefulness. The rehabilitation process can also be tiring, as individuals may have to learn new ways of doing things or engage in exercises that can be exhausting.
Post-stroke fatigue can have a significant impact on an individual's quality of life, affecting their ability to work, socialize, and enjoy everyday activities. It can also affect their relationships, as family and friends may not fully understand the extent of their exhaustion.
While there is no definitive way to predict how long post-stroke fatigue will last, there are strategies that can help manage it. These include pacing oneself, planning activities for when one has the most energy, breaking activities into smaller steps with rest in between, and prioritizing important tasks. Seeking support from healthcare professionals, such as occupational therapists and physiotherapists, can also help individuals manage their fatigue and improve their quality of life.
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It can affect your ability to work and socialise
Post-stroke fatigue can affect your ability to work and socialise. It can be difficult to return to work and to socialise and enjoy everyday activities. It can also affect your relationships, as family and friends may not understand how genuinely exhausted you feel on a daily basis.
Post-stroke fatigue is a common condition that can be experienced following a stroke at any point during the recovery process. It is often under-recognised, and its intensity does not appear to be related to the severity or type of stroke experienced. It can cause an overwhelming sense of tiredness, lack of energy, and difficulties sustaining routine actions, where rest does not improve the condition. It can also cause a decrease in motivation, emotional disturbances, symptoms of depression and/or anxiety, as well as impairments in physical, social, and cognitive functioning.
The exact cause of post-stroke fatigue varies from person to person, and it can be triggered by stress, medication, overwork, and mental and/or physical illness. It is important to understand the signs and symptoms of post-stroke fatigue to help reduce and manage it, as this can increase your quality of life.
There are different strategies for managing post-stroke fatigue. First, you need to find out the cause of your fatigue. If the cause is that you are doing too many activities, then you need to prioritise the most important ones. Making a schedule is a good technique to manage your fatigue. It is also important to pace yourself, plan your activities, and prioritise the ones that are most important to you.
It is also essential to have good sleep habits. Get up at the same time every day, get some early morning sunshine, and if you nap, do it early in the afternoon for only 20 minutes. In the evening, make sure to wind down at least an hour before bed and go to bed when your body tells you to. Eat a healthy diet, drink enough water, and avoid alcohol. Even small amounts of daily exercise may help improve fatigue.
If you are experiencing post-stroke fatigue, it is important to seek support from friends, family, and care partners. It is okay to ask for help and to prioritise your daily activities to enjoy the best life you can.
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It can be caused by damage to brain structures
Post-stroke fatigue is a common condition that can be experienced following a stroke at any point during the recovery process. It is often under-recognised and can last for a long time, sometimes persisting for up to six years.
Post-stroke fatigue can be caused by damage to brain structures and neuroendocrine systems responsible for maintaining attention and wakefulness. When someone has a stroke, the uninjured parts of the brain take over the tasks that the injured parts used to do. However, the parts of the brain taking on new functions are not as efficient as they should be, which means the person needs to concentrate harder and longer. This causes increased tiredness and the usage of more energy.
The impact of post-stroke fatigue can be severe, with decreased motivation, emotional disturbances, symptoms of depression and/or anxiety, and impairments in physical, social, and cognitive functioning. It can also negatively impact a person's ability to actively participate in rehabilitation, which can lead to poorer long-term outcomes.
It is important to understand the signs and symptoms of post-stroke fatigue to help manage it effectively. Healthcare professionals should be knowledgeable about the symptoms and provide education, assessment, and interventions to mitigate fatigue throughout the stroke recovery process.
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It can be managed with exercise and a healthy diet
Fatigue is a common and challenging issue for many stroke survivors, and it can last for a prolonged period, hindering their recovery and return to everyday activities. However, there is good news: it can be managed through exercise and a healthy diet.
Exercise plays a pivotal role in managing post-stroke fatigue. Even small amounts of daily exercise can be beneficial. Supervised exercises, such as home-based resistive training or stationary bike workouts, can lead to improved cardiovascular fitness and reduced cardiovascular risk. Additionally, engaging in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity can modify cardiovascular risk factors and protect against recurrent strokes.
It is important to note that people with stroke often face barriers to being active, such as depression, fatigue itself, stroke-induced musculoskeletal impairments, lack of social support, transportation challenges, and inaccessible gym equipment. Occupational therapists can play a crucial role in helping individuals overcome these barriers and educating them about the benefits of physical activity.
In addition to exercise, adopting a healthy diet is essential for managing post-stroke fatigue. Nutrition plays a vital role in health management and can help prevent secondary conditions. For example, adhering to dietary patterns such as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) and Mediterranean diets has been shown to improve stroke-related risk factors.
While occupational therapists may not provide specific dietary advice, they can educate clients about the benefits of nutritious foods and assist with meal preparation, ensuring clients consume adequate nutrients to support their recovery.
By combining regular exercise and a nutritious diet, individuals can effectively manage post-stroke fatigue, enhance their recovery, and reduce the risk of recurrent strokes. It is important to seek professional guidance from healthcare providers, such as doctors and occupational therapists, to develop a personalized plan that addresses individual needs and considerations.
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It can be treated with medication and therapy
Fatigue after a stroke is a common condition that can be experienced at any point during the recovery process. It is often under-recognised and can last for a long time, sometimes even up to six or seven years. However, it can be treated with medication and therapy.
If you think you are experiencing post-stroke fatigue, it is important to speak to your doctor or a healthcare professional. They may be able to help determine if something like medication or infection is causing the fatigue, or if it is more likely due to the stroke. They can also suggest ways to manage your fatigue and refer you to other specialists.
There is limited evidence that pharmacological treatment with modafinil may be considered for some people who have experienced a stroke. However, more research is required to fully understand the benefits of this treatment. There is currently insufficient evidence to recommend antidepressant treatment for post-stroke fatigue.
Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), may be considered as an adjunct treatment for post-stroke fatigue. Mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques can also be beneficial. Counselling on graduated exercise schedules and energy conservation strategies are also recommended to improve physical tolerance and daily function. Additionally, counselling on establishing good sleep hygiene behaviours is important, as sleep problems can contribute to fatigue.
It is crucial to work with knowledgeable healthcare professionals who can provide guidance on managing post-stroke fatigue and improving your quality of life.
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Frequently asked questions
Fatigue can last for a long time after a stroke, ranging from a few months to several years. Acute fatigue can last up to 6 months, while chronic fatigue can persist in 40% of patients after 2 years and even up to 6 years after the stroke.
Post-stroke fatigue is an overwhelming sense of tiredness, lack of energy, and difficulty sustaining routine actions, where rest does not improve the condition. It can be triggered by stress, medication, overwork, and mental or physical illness.
Post-stroke fatigue is very common, affecting 39-72% of stroke survivors. It can happen to anyone and usually starts in the first few weeks after a stroke.
There are several strategies to manage post-stroke fatigue, including pacing yourself, planning activities, and prioritizing important tasks. It is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle with proper sleep, nutrition, and some form of physical activity. Additionally, seeking support from healthcare professionals, such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and psychologists, can be beneficial.