Feeling exhausted constantly? Doctors say a mini-stroke could explain the lasting fatigue

Exhaustion is bound to happen to all after a tiring day or a workout or due to various mental/physical reasons. But the feeling of constantly being exhausted needs answers and a group of doctors may have explored the reason behind it. 

As per a study by a group of researchers from Aalborg University Hospital in Denmark, fatigue is a common symptom that can last up to a year after a transient ischemic attack (mini-stroke). This could provide answers to the lasting fatigue experienced by some. 

What is a transient ischemic attack?

According to the Mayo Clinic, a transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a short period of symptoms similar to those of a stroke. It is caused by a brief blockage of blood flow to the brain. 

Experts opine that TIA may be just a warning and about 1 in 3 people who have experienced a TIA will eventually have a stroke, with about half occurring within a year after the TIA. 

Findings:

The study involves 354 participants, with 61 per cent reporting fatigue two weeks after the event, and 54 per cent still experiencing fatigue at three, six, and 12 months.

According to the Dailymail, participants of the survey were enquired about their level of fatigue in the first two weeks after a mini-stroke and again at three, six and 12 months later. Those being analysed also had to undergo brain scans to check for blood clots. The scientists also found that participants who reported feeling fatigued were twice as likely to have a history of anxiety and/or depression. 

"Long-term fatigue was common in our group of study participants, and we found if people experience fatigue within two weeks after leaving the hospital, it is likely they will continue to have fatigue for up to a year," said Dr Boris Modrau, who led the study. He also recommends future research to monitor patients for ongoing fatigue after a mini-stroke. 

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