Persistent fatigue, even after adequate rest, could be a long-term effect of a silent mini-stroke, according to a new study published in Neurology, the journal of the American Academy of Neurology, the Daily Mail reports.
Mini-strokes, also known as transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), occur when there is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain. These episodes can last for minutes to up to 24 hours and often go unnoticed. Common but subtle symptoms include muscle weakness, headaches, vision changes, facial drooping, or slurred speech—many of which resolve quickly and are frequently overlooked.
Although more than 240,000 Americans and 45,000 people in the UK experience a TIA each year, only about one in 30 individuals realize they have had one. New research from a team of Danish scientists suggests that these brief episodes may have longer-lasting effects than previously thought, particularly in the form of fatigue that can persist for up to a year.
The study, led by Dr. Boris Modrau, a neurology professor at Aalborg University Hospital in Denmark, followed 354 patients—average age 70—who had recently experienced a mini-stroke. Researchers monitored participants over the course of a year, collecting data through fatigue questionnaires conducted two weeks after hospital discharge and again at three, six, and twelve months.
Findings revealed that 61% of participants reported significant fatigue within two weeks of the mini-stroke. Around half continued to experience fatigue at the three-, six-, and twelve-month follow-ups. Fatigue was defined in the study as a score of 12 or higher on standardized assessment tools.
According to Dr. Modrau:
“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.”
The underlying cause of this fatigue may be due to the brain working harder to compensate for temporary disruptions in blood flow. This increased effort could result in higher energy consumption, leading to persistent tiredness. Furthermore, fatigue was more frequently reported among participants with a history of anxiety or depression, suggesting potential links between mental health and post-stroke recovery.
The researchers emphasized that the study was observational and cannot conclusively prove that TIAs cause prolonged fatigue. However, the results indicate a need for greater awareness and follow-up care for patients recovering from mini-strokes.
“Patients diagnosed with a transient ischemic attack should be monitored in the weeks and months that follow to assess for lingering fatigue,” Dr. Modrau advised. “This could help us better understand who might struggle with fatigue long-term and require additional support.”
While TIAs do not cause the extensive brain damage associated with full strokes, they can still affect coordination, muscle strength, memory, sleep patterns, and emotional wellbeing—all of which may contribute to ongoing physical and mental fatigue.
