Could a Mini-Stroke Lead to Persistent Fatigue?

A transient ischemic attack, commonly referred to as a mini-stroke, involves a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain. Typically, symptoms such as facial drooping, arm weakness, or slurred speech appear suddenly but resolve within 24 hours. Despite this quick resolution, recent research indicates that individuals who experience mini-strokes may face longer-lasting effects, particularly fatigue that can persist for up to a year following the event.

A study published in the journal Neurology examined 354 patients, averaging 70 years old, over a year after their mini-stroke. Participants completed questionnaires assessing various types of fatigue—including overall tiredness, physical exhaustion, motivation reduction, mental fatigue, and decreased activity—at multiple intervals: within two weeks of the stroke, then at three, six, and twelve months.

Findings revealed that initially, about 61% of participants experienced significant fatigue two weeks post-stroke, with this percentage remaining high at 54% during follow-up periods. The fatigue scores showed a gradual decline over time but remained notable for many individuals. Interestingly, brain scans did not show a correlation between visible clot presence and fatigue levels. However, those with a history of anxiety or depression were twice as likely to report prolonged fatigue.

The study underscores that while mini-strokes are often considered transient and less severe, their aftermath can include enduring symptoms like fatigue that impair quality of life. Recognizing this, healthcare providers are encouraged to monitor patients closely in the weeks and months following a mini-stroke to better understand and address lingering symptoms.

This research advances our understanding of the long-term effects of mini-strokes and highlights the importance of comprehensive post-stroke care to improve patient outcomes.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-mini-fatigue.html