Fatigue

Definition of Fatigue: A subjective experience of extreme and persistent tiredness, weakness or exhaustion after stroke, which can present itself mentally, physically or both and is unrelated to previous exertion levels.

Fatigue is different than being tired. When you are tired, you know that if you can just get some sleep you will feel better. But, fatigue is still there when you wake up, it stays with you all day. It is a lack of energy, a feeling of mental, emotional and physical exhaustion.

Psychological Characteristics:

• Decreased Wakefulness

• Decreased Attention

• Apathy

• Irritability

• Memory Lapses

Physical Characteristics:

• Drowsiness

• Muscle Fatigue

• Fatigue After Eating

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

You may have CFS if you meet the following criteria:

• If you have severe chronic fatigue for six months or longer and all other known conditions that could cause fatigue have been excluded by your health-care provider, or

• If you simultaneously have four or more of the following symptoms: significant problems with short-term memory or concentration, sore throat, tender lymph nodes, muscle pain, pain in several joints without swelling or redness, headaches that are different in pattern or severity from previous headaches, feeling tired and unrefreshed even after sleeping, and extreme tiredness lasting more than 24 hours after you exercise or exert yourself.

Common Causes of Fatigue

• Hormones

• Diet

• Dental

• Sleep or lack thereof

• Infections

• TBI or traumatic brain injury

• Thought Patterns