Prolonged Ministerokes could lead to a year-long struggle with persistent fatigue.
Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs), often referred to as "ministrokes," have been linked to long-term fatigue in patients, according to recent research. This revelation challenges the traditional belief that TIAs, which usually resolve within 24 hours, do not cause permanent brain damage or long-lasting effects.
In a large-scale study conducted by the Danish Physiotherapy Association and published in Neurology, researchers found that over half of TIA patients experienced pathologic fatigue, persisting for up to a year. The severity of fatigue showed only minor reductions over time, suggesting a persistent issue for many patients.
Interestingly, the study found no significant statistical correlation between the presence of acute cerebral infarction (brain tissue damage due to blockage in blood flow) and ongoing fatigue. However, patients with a history of anxiety or depression were twice as likely to report fatigue after a TIA. This finding underscores the psychological aspects of post-TIA fatigue.
The research follows 354 TIA patients, assessing their fatigue levels at 14 days, 3, 6, and 12 months post-event. The findings indicate that TIA patients' fatigue levels are comparable to those of stroke patients.
Christopher Yi, a board-certified vascular surgeon, noted that this study provides a new perspective on the lingering effects of TIAs, which were previously thought to have no long-term consequences. He suggests that doctors should proactively assess and support patients for fatigue during follow-ups.
Cheng-Han Chen, a board-certified interventional cardiologist, agrees, stating that identifying patients who develop fatigue soon after a TIA allows for focused support to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. He emphasizes the need for improved screening to identify these patients who may suffer long-term consequences to their quality of life.
- The study on Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs) by the Danish Physiotherapy Association, published in Neurology, revealed that TIA patients also suffer from neurological conditions, such as pathologic fatigue, which can persist for up to a year.
- In the same study, it was found that there is no significant correlation between acute cerebral infarction and ongoing fatigue, suggesting that mental health conditions, like anxiety and depression, may play a significant role in post-TIA fatigue.
- The research on TIA patients' health and wellness, including their fatigue levels, demonstrated that these levels are similar to those of stroke patients, highlighting the long-term consequences of TIAs that were previously thought to be minimal.
- As a result of this study, medical professionals, such as Christopher Yi, a vascular surgeon, and Cheng-Han Chen, an interventional cardiologist, emphasize the importance of proactive assessment and support for TIA patients experiencing fatigue to manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and identify those who may suffer from neurological-disorders or mental-health issues long-term.
