A patient may develop significant fatigue following a stroke. It is often necessary to distinguish primary from secondary fatigue.
Features of a stroke that may increase the risk of post-stroke fatigue:
(1) subcortical ischemia
(2) ischemia of the thalamus and/or basal ganglia
(3) brainstem ischemia
Right hemispheric strokes are associated with a greater risk of fatigue and loss of energy.
Patients with post-stroke fatigue:
(1) tend to be older
(2) may have significant comorbidity prior to the stroke
(3) are at increased risk for impaired activities of daily living (ADL)
(4) have increased mortality
Causes of Secondary Fatigue
Distinguishing Features
depression
fatigue reduced by effective therapy
disordered sleep, including sleep apnea
fatigue improves with improved sleep
medications
fatigue improves once the drug is stopped
It is important to ask a patient about fatigue and loss of energy following a stroke, since it may be associated with significant impairment for the patient.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
