Feeling persistently exhausted? Recent research suggests that this fatigue could be a result of a mini-stroke — medically known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA) — that you may not even be aware you experienced. These brief episodes occur when there is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain, typically lasting no more than a day. Alarmingly, more than 240,000 Americans and approximately 45,000 Brits suffer from a TIA each year, yet only about one in 30 realize they have had one.
The symptoms of a mini-stroke can be easily overlooked or dismissed. Common signs include muscle weakness, headaches, and changes in vision. A recent study conducted by a group of Danish researchers has revealed that the effects of these mini-strokes can extend far beyond the immediate symptoms, leading to fatigue that may last for up to a year following the incident.
According to the findings, TIAs can significantly contribute to long-term fatigue due to several factors. When a mini-stroke occurs, the brain must work harder to compensate for the temporary disruption in blood flow. This increased effort can result in heightened energy consumption, ultimately leading to persistent fatigue.
Dr. Boris Modrau, a neurology professor at Aalborg University Hospital in Denmark and lead author of the study, noted, “People with a transient ischemic attack can have symptoms such as face drooping, arm weakness, or slurred speech, and these typically resolve within a day. However, some individuals report ongoing challenges, including reduced quality of life, cognitive issues, depression, anxiety, and fatigue.”
The study tracked 354 participants, averaging 70 years of age, who experienced a mini-stroke over the course of a year. Participants completed questionnaires to assess their fatigue levels during the first two weeks post-TIA and again at three, six, and twelve months. The researchers defined fatigue as a score of 12 or higher based on the questionnaires. Brain scans were also conducted to check for any underlying blood clots.
The results were telling: 61% of those surveyed reported an increase in fatigue scores just two weeks after the mini-stroke. Furthermore, half of the participants continued to report fatigue at the three, six, and twelve-month assessments. Notably, those who identified as fatigued were twice as likely to have a history of anxiety and/or depression, indicating a significant correlation.
Dr. Modrau emphasized the need for healthcare professionals to focus on identifying signs of fatigue in mini-stroke patients, suggesting that adequate care should be provided. “For future studies, individuals diagnosed with a transient ischemic attack should be monitored in the weeks and months following the event to assess for lingering fatigue,” he advised. “This could enhance our understanding of who might struggle with long-term fatigue and require additional support.”
The study has been published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. While mini-strokes may not cause brain damage as severely as complete strokes, they can still lead to significant changes in one’s health. This damage can manifest as muscle weakness, coordination difficulties, and an overall sense of weariness—all of which are indicators of fatigue.
Medically, fatigue is described as a persistent and excessive feeling of tiredness or lack of energy that disrupts daily activities, even after adequate rest. Physical fatigue can encompass muscle weakness, aches, pain, gastrointestinal issues, and headaches, while mental fatigue can present as difficulty concentrating, slowed reflexes, and impaired decision-making. Additionally, brain damage resulting from a mini-stroke can alter sleep patterns, emotional stability, and memory, further contributing to ongoing tiredness.
