Frequency, characterisation and therapies of fatigue after stroke

Neurol Sci. 2008 Sep:29 Suppl 2:S244-6. doi: 10.1007/s10072-008-0951-0.

Abstract

Post-stroke objective or subjective fatigue occurs in around 50% of patients and is frequent (30%) even after minor strokes. It can last more than one year after the event, and is characterised by a different quality from usual fatigue and good response to rest. Associated risk factors include age, single patients, female, disability, depression, attentional impairment and sometimes posterior strokes, but also inactivity, overweight, alcohol and sleep apnoea syndrome. There are few therapy studies, but treatment may include low-intensity training, cognitive therapy, treatment of associated depression, wakefulness-promoting agents like modafinil, correction of risk factors and adaptation of activities.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Benzhydryl Compounds / therapeutic use
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / therapeutic use
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / standards
  • Depressive Disorder / complications
  • Depressive Disorder / drug therapy
  • Exercise Therapy / standards
  • Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / etiology
  • Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / physiopathology*
  • Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Modafinil
  • Risk Factors
  • Risk Reduction Behavior
  • Stroke / complications*

Substances

  • Benzhydryl Compounds
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants
  • Modafinil