How a Hidden Mini-Stroke Might Be Behind Your Constant Tiredness

A mini-stroke might be the reason for your ongoing tiredness. These are often missed because they only last a short time. It is also known as a transient ischemic attack. It happens when blood flow to the brain is briefly blocked. This blockage can last up to a day. Many people experience this but do not know it. Only a small number of people realize they have had one. The symptoms of a mini-stroke can be easily overlooked. These can include muscle weakness, headaches, and changes in vision. A group of researchers in Denmark found that these mini-strokes can have long-lasting effects. They can leave people feeling tired for up to a year. This happens because the brain has to work harder to make up for the temporary disruption in blood flow. The brain has to put in extra effort to complete tasks after a mini-stroke. This extra effort can lead to increased energy use and persistent tiredness. A study followed 354 people who had a mini-stroke. They were an average age of 70. Participants were asked about their tiredness levels at different times after the mini-stroke. The researchers found that 61 percent of those surveyed experienced increases in their tiredness scores two weeks after the mini-stroke. Half reported feeling tired at the three, six, and 12 month marks. The study also found that people who reported feeling tired were twice as likely to have a history of anxiety and/or depression. The researchers noted that the study was observational. This means it cannot prove that the mini-strokes were the cause of the persistent tiredness. However, the study did show that long-term tiredness was common in the group of study participants. If people experience tiredness within two weeks after leaving the hospital, it is likely they will continue to have tiredness for up to a year. The researchers advised that experts need to focus on whether mini-stroke patients are showing signs of tiredness. They should provide adequate care. For future studies, people diagnosed with a mini-stroke should be followed in the weeks and months that follow. This could help understand who might struggle with tiredness long-term. It could also help determine who might require further care. A mini-stroke can cause some brain damage. This damage can leave a person with muscle weakness, difficulty with coordination and a general sense of weariness. These are all signs of tiredness. Tiredness is medically described as the persistent and excessive feeling of tiredness or lack of energy. This interferes with daily activities, even after adequate rest. Physical tiredness can include muscle weakness, aches, pain, gastrointestinal issues and headaches. Mental tiredness can include difficulty concentrating, learning new tasks, slowed reflexes and impaired decision-making. Brain damage due to a mini-stroke can also change sleeping patterns, emotional distress and memory. All of these can contribute to ongoing tiredness.