Fatigue 2.pngFatigue is common after a stroke; most people will have fatigue at some point in their recovery. This can be straight after your stroke, or it may appear later in your recovery. Fatigue is different from ‘normal’ tiredness and can take some time after your stroke to improve or for you to be able to manage the symptoms well. It can affect everyone, no matter the size or type of stroke you have suffered. Symptoms can vary from person to person; however people commonly describe feeling drained, weak and constantly tired or having no energy to complete physical or mental tasks.

Everyday activities can make you feel tired for the rest of the day and sometimes into the next day, also affecting your attention and the speed in which you process information. Even after rest, you may still feel fatigued. Fatigue may affect recovery as you may feel too exhausted to participate in rehabilitation at times.

It is very beneficial to plan ahead for your days/weeks, spreading tasks out where possible and avoiding cramming activities all into one day. Prioritising and creating a balance of activities that you need and want to do, and trying not to do everything all at once. Finally, pacing yourself throughout the activities by building in rests or adjusting the activity in order to conserve more energy. 

Fatigue may begin to affect your mood, interest in activities and ability to socialise and carry out everyday tasks. Low mood can also result in fatigue symptoms. You can find out more about managing your mood here. 

Where can I find more information?

There are things you can do to help you manage the symptoms of fatigue by planning your days ahead.

To learn more how to do this you can find further support:

 

  • The Stroke Association offer information covering the causes and impact of fatigue with practical suggestions to help yourself. Click here.
  • Different Strokes also offer information, blogs, and online support groups for younger stroke survivors. Click here.
  • Headway is a charity offering advice for anyone who has suffered a brain injury to understand what fatigue is; its causes, triggers, and ways to manage it. Click here.
  • If you would like to learn how making simple changes to your diet can help manage your symptoms, the following advice may help; whilst not stroke specific, there are parallels with post-stroke fatigue. Click here.

Over time you will find ways of managing the impact of fatigue. Tracking your symptoms and progress can help you better manage your condition.

For tips and advice on how to maintain your energy levels, please see the useful tools below: 

If you are already under the care of your local community stroke team, you can ask them more about this topic at your next visit.

Support in your area

There are many local, independent and charity run support groups across West Yorkshire and Harrogate offering professional and peer support, advice and a range of activities. As these groups are developed for stroke survivors they can support you to get involved in a way that also enables you to manage fatigue. To find out what is in your area, try the links below or visit the map on the homepage. 

Or you can search the Stroke Association directory for all stroke related groups - click here. 

Audio Visual Resources

 

Disclaimer

Stroke affects everyone differently. If you think your fatigue may have another underlying cause, please seek the advice of an appropriate healthcare professional. 

Advice for Health Care Professionals 

Further information coming soon.