Download Neuro-fatigue

Neuro-Fatigue
Fatigue is usually defined as a sense of weakness, described by patients as exhaustion,
tiredness, and lack of energy. Neuro-fatigue is somewhat different in that it involves mental
fatigue caused by the alterations of chemicals in different parts of the brain, or chemical
imbalances within the brain caused by the injury.
Individuals with a brain injury describe neuro-fatigue as complete and utter exhaustion, an
absolute shut down of thinking and feeling, an inability to move or produce any action and
mental confusion.
Neuro-fatigue can be worsened when combined with:
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Lack of regular sleep
Psychiatric problems including depression and anxiety-related disorders
Metabolic or endocrine problems like diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism
Chronic pain issues
Drugs such as sedatives
Nutritional or blood concerns such as low vitamin B12 and leukemia
Effects of chronic stress, which may also be greatly increased from, brain injury
It is recommended that testing such as blood counts, urinalysis, glucose tolerance tests
and chest X-rays be conducted to rule out other health problems before assuming that the
fatigue is strictly a result of the brain injury. Treatment of these conditions may reduce the
fatigue intensity.
If the results of diagnostic tests eliminate the possibility of other health issues, the
tiredness an individual with a traumatic brain injury is experiencing is probably due to neurofatigue.
Neuro-fatigue is a common and often a complex problem with multiple causes, which can
have a significant impact on the individual with a brain injury. It is generally worse in the
immediate months following injury and may lessen with time. One should seek medical
assistance to address this potentially debilitating condition.
Useful strategies to reduce neuro-fatigue include:
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Regular aerobic exercises such as walking swimming, bike riding and exercise classes
Regular sleep, going to bed and getting up at the same time every day
Rest as needed, scheduled throughout the day, especially following activities
Good nutrition and balanced diet
Avoidance of alcohol and recreational drugs
Compensatory strategies that conserve energy
Pacing oneself
Taking medications as prescribed, on time in the correct amounts, every day