Fatigue among stroke patients on long-term follow-up. The Bergen Stroke Study

Background: To evaluate characteristics and mortality related to post-stroke fatigue (PSF). Methods: All surviving stroke patients admitted to the Stroke Unit, Haukeland University Hospital, between February 2006 and November 2008 were sent a postal questionnaire including the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADSD), and the Barthel Index (BI) at least 6 months after stroke onset. Survival among patients returning the questionnaire was determined by November 2009. PSF was defined as FSS score >= 5. Results: Among 377 patients returning the questionnaire, 42.3% had PSF. Logistic regression showed that PSF was independently associated with pre-stroke depression, leucoaraiosis, myocardial infarction, diabetes mellitus, pain, and sleeping disturbances. Mean FSS score was lower among TIA patients than among patients with minor cerebral infarction (patients with BI=100)(P=.002). Cox regression analysis showed mortality to be associated with PSF. Conclusion: There is a multifactorial basis for PSF suggesting different therapy options. Cerebral lesions may cause PSF in some patients. Post-stroke fatigue is associated with higher mortality. (C) 2011 Elsevier By. All rights reserved.