The authors contacted patients 6 years after a stroke to determine whether post-stroke fatigue was a long-term symptom. They concluded that fatigue is a common long-term effect of stroke and the risk is highest for those with more severe stroke.

Post-stroke fatigue (PSF) refers to constant tiredness experienced for a long time after stroke. The lack of physical and mental energy can have a massive impact on the everyday life of the patient. PSF can negatively affect the ability of the patient to perform rehabilitation therapy, therefore affecting their health and independence. As a result in can result in a decreased quality of life. While evidence has shown PSF has a link with depression and anxiety, there is little other research dedicated to the problem.

The authors aimed to determine whether PSF is indeed a long-term complication after stroke by investigating the presence of PSF 6 years after stroke.

102 patients who had a stroke were contacted 6 years later to participate in the study. They were assessed for PSF, impact of stroke (physical or mental disability), participation in everyday activities, satisfaction with life and anxiety or depression.

Of these 102 patients, 37% reported fatigue 6 years after stroke. There was an 8.28-fold increase in the risk of PSF for patients with more severe stroke. Anxiety increased the risk of PSF 4.4-fold. Depression was associated with 2.44 times the risk of PSF.

The authors concluded that PFS is a common and long-term complication after stroke. They also noted a direct association between PSF and depression or anxiety. They found that severe stroke was a stronger indicator of the risk PSF.

The authors did not report the presence of PSF in the short time after stroke. In addition, they did not check what medications each patient was taking.