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How to cope with fatigue after brain injury or stroke

Marissa Russell, MS, CCC-SLP | Traumatic brain injury, Stroke, Concussion, Brain health

There are many challenges that may arise after a stroke, brain injury, or when you’re dealing with a neurological condition. While difficulties with speaking or walking are often the first to come to mind, fatigue is a common and complicated symptom that impacts many. However, this is not the same type of tiredness that follows a poor night’s sleep, nor can it easily be fixed with a cup of coffee or a quick nap. This fatigue is often described as flu-like and debilitating, when simply getting out of bed can feel impossible.  

It may at times feel frustrating or isolating when others try to relate their normal, everyday tiredness to this level of exhaustion experienced by those who have sustained a stroke or brain injury. However, learning more information can help those in recovery learn to cope with these symptoms and assist their loved ones in understanding and providing support when fatigue arises.

What is causing my fatigue?

While the exact causes of post-stroke fatigue are not fully understood, there are several areas that could be involved:

Physical factors

  • After a stroke or brain injury, the body is healing. This healing process can use up a lot of energy and lead to fatigue. Additionally, brain injury can impact physical ability, leading to some newfound limitations. This means that completing daily activities like moving around and doing chores requires more effort. The combination of these factors can cause increased fatigue in both the early and late stages of recovery.

Mental factors

  •  It is common to have trouble with cognitive processes such as memory, attention, planning, organization, and language processing after a stroke or brain injury. As a result, completing daily tasks such as focusing on a conversation or planning out the day can require significant amounts of effort and energy. This may quickly lead to feelings of fatigue.

Emotional factors

  • Due to the often life-changing nature of a brain injury or stroke,  during the recovery process many people experience emotional changes. Changes in functioning and level of independence catalyze questions around how we view ourselves, the expectations we have about what we can and cannot do, and thoughts about how quickly we should be improving. Additionally, anxiety and depression are common in those who have experienced a stroke or brain injury. These emotional changes create feelings of fatigue and exhaustion.  

Other factors

  •  After a stroke or brain injury, common factors such as difficulty sleeping, reduced physical activity, and side effects of medications can also contribute to fatigue. Additionally, recovery often involves many types of therapy (e.g., speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, counseling). While beneficial, participating in these therapies can be physically and mentally tiring and lead to fatigue.

What can I do to feel better?

Fortunately, there are many things you can do to limit fatigue and increase energy levels during your recovery. 

  • Talk to your doctor: They can monitor medications that may be contributing to your fatigue. Additionally, they can rule out other medical conditions that may be playing a role and provide suggestions for ways to improve diet and physical activity for increased energy.
  • Take breaks: When you are experiencing fatigue, your body is likely telling you that it needs a rest. Take a moment to sit or lie down when you feel tired. Breaks can help prevent fatigue. Set timers or alarms throughout the day (e.g., every hour) to remind yourself to rest so that you can maximize your energy.
  • Pace yourself: It is important to be realistic during your recovery. Things that used to be easy may take more effort for a while. Be patient with yourself. Give yourself extra time to complete tasks and build up your stamina. For example, if you are returning to work, start with just a few hours a day and work up to a full schedule when you feel ready. If you are having trouble reading the newspaper, start with one page and take a break before continuing.
  • Consider psychological counseling: Anxiety, depression, stress, and other forms of emotional adjustment are extremely common post-stroke or brain injury. This can be a result of both chemical changes in the brain as well as trauma associated with the experience of a major medical event. Recovery can be supported through mental health counseling. Identifying these mental health conditions early on can reduce fatigue and allow for improved energy in other areas of rehabilitation.
  • Celebrate your progress: Recovery is a long process, and it is important to recognize the improvements you make along the way. Can you say ‘hello’ to your family on the phone even though it was difficult before? Are you able to stay focused and cook simple meals in the kitchen after having trouble following a recipe a few weeks ago? Were you able to sign your name on a form despite having to use your non-dominant hand? These are all amazing accomplishments that should be celebrated. Focusing on what you cannot do can cause feelings of frustration and make you push yourself too hard, leading to added emotional distress and fatigue.
  • Keep your family and friends in the loop: Signs of fatigue are not always obvious to others. Share this article with your loved ones so they can better understand brain injury fatigue and better support you in your recovery.

SLP talks brain injury fatigueMarissa is a practicing speech-language pathologist clinical fellow serving English and Spanish-speaking patients at Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital. She is also a Clinical and Scientific Consultant for Constant Therapy Health, where she is involved in content development, advisement on product features, and other app-related clinical support.

References and Further Resources

American Stroke Association. Fighting Through Fatigue. https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/effects-of-stroke/physical-effects-of-stroke/physical-impact/fighting-through-fatigue

Bell, MD, K. R. Fatigue and Traumatic Brain Injury. Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC). https://msktc.org/tbi/factsheets/fatigue-and-traumatic-brain-injury

Fatigue and tiredness. (July 2020). Stroke Association UK. https://www.stroke.org.uk/effects-of-stroke/tiredness-and-fatigue

Puchta, A. E. (2008). Why am I so tired after my stroke?. Journal of vascular and interventional neurology1(2), 63.

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11 Comments

  1. Edgar

    Some of my CT application exercises I have fatigued and frustrated. I get frustrated when my skill levels are 100% I get them consistently again once in a while (the clock, math, similar shape exercises,etc).

    I would like to skip them, and actually go to the understanding sentences, words, speaking, auditory comprehensive, sound bites, memory sound etc.
    If I’m already doing 100% skills levels, I should not to be watered by them. I need aphasia and my understanding exercises.

    Reply
  2. Marcie Bostic

    I am an SLP of 27 years, just turned 49. I developed a brain abscess in the right occipital parietal area and required 2 craniotomies. I cannot drive or work. I have speech issues, vision issues with some hemineglect, incomplete left homomonous hemianopsia and left side weakness. I am mobile but weak. This all started July 29. I am also a mom of 4. Your article helped me alot. Last night it took me an hour to send a simple email to one of my kids teachers. I just bawled afterwards because of sadness and frustration. I look fine to others even to my family but I am not. Being an SLP I am not sure if it helps me or hurts me at this point because I know too much. I do go to counseling but right now I am at an all time low mentally. Yes there are people worse off than me but honestly I don’t care. Normal healthy me would care but now I’m the one. This stuff isn’t supposed to happen to me kind of attitude is what I’m feeling. The it’s not fair. I just thought I’d share some of my story with you sinc I am an slp.

    Reply
    • Constant Therapy

      Marcie- We so appreciate you sharing your story. You are right- it’s not fair. Have you heard of the organization Stroke Onward? Here is their mission: Stroke Onward’s mission is to ensure stroke survivors, families, and caregivers have the resources they need to successfully navigate the emotional journey critical to rebuilding their identities and rewarding lives. Check out this post:https://constanttherapyhealth.com/brainwire/identity-and-finding-meaning-after-stroke/

      Reply
    • Kim

      I have Long Covid. It comes with a ton of baggage. I 1000% understand what you mean with the email situation. I have been writing them on a doc form. From there I edit, add take away, forget the topic, why am I doing this? It is a process, its draining, so frustrating. I cant find the words I am trying to write. Then I feel like a big ass dummy. I know it, and I can’t figure out why this is taking me so dang long. I cant even make dinner for my family. I cannot drive due to seizures, I also walk into things & fall, blackout. My body is fatigued, my muscles and joints defy me daily. My brain is in some kind of place waiting for me to jail break it back to home base. Through all it, we fight the battle for our children our partner, our parents, our Doctors, Nurses, Ourselves, in hopes of cracking the code, so we will heal to be whole again soon.

      Reply
      • Constant Therapy

        Thank you so much for sharing your story with us Kim. It sounds like you have been through some very challenging times. Couldn’t agree more with your last thought – you fight the battle for yourself and your loved ones! Sending you a lot of support while you keep fighting Kim!

        Reply
    • Saw

      Hi, I’m s recent brain surgery recover patient after a non cancerous tumor removal from the stem and then a shunt installation 3 months later. I technically am still in recovery but I have Diplopia, facial palsy and now my balance is weakening where it wasn’t before. Doctors tell me very little and my frustration/ non fairness has been at and a time high along with my anxiety and sadness I definitely can relate

      Reply
  3. RB

    I am a DPT but had to stop working 3 years ago. I had a shunt placement for adult hydrocephalus and was discharged from inpatient neuro rehab one day before the covid shut down. I also had gamma knife procedure for an acoustic neuroma and have lost hearing in that ear. My chief complaint now is FATIGUE. Thank you for this article. I’m now OK with the fact that my decreased energy is just part of the continued healing process. The former poster expressed the adjustment of going from being the healer of others to healing the Self. I understand.

    Reply
    • Constant Therapy

      Hi RB, thank you so much for sharing your story with us. It sounds like you have gone through a lot since 2020! We are so happy to hear you’ve been making progress and maintaining a growth-oriented mindset. Wishing you the best in your healing journey!

      Reply
  4. Ms. Suzzette Elizabeth Crawford

    Hi, my injury was a result of by my sister hitting me in the head with a heavy object several times of which I developed a concussion, then a stroke and diabetes which was instigated by the medications am now taking. Before the stroke, I had completed my bachelor’s degree program and had plenty of hopes and dreams. After my graduation, I had a stroke in the left side of my brain in Occipital area during the pandemic turning everything upside down. My right side is weak. I have speech problem and facial paralysis. I returned to school, less than a year later for my master’s during my recovery. I have just completed the master’s program and am now feeling cheated by my injury because I will never be able to hold a job in my field because of my injury. I realized that I have trouble remembering and forgetting and my language skills are not there like before; I find myself struggling in some ways, that I do not understand what is going on with me or my brain. I just got a job as a CNA because I am the only provider of my family. I am feeling lost and confused.

    Reply
    • Constant Therapy

      Hello Suzzette, thank you for sharing your story with us. It sounds like you have faced many challenges over the years, and continue to withstand them today. Your perseverance and commitment to all that you have achieved is inspiring! You are not alone during this difficult time, and resources like support groups are a great reminder of this. Here is another article that may be helpful: Support groups: An essential component of brain rehabilitation. Wishing all the best for you and your family!

      Reply

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