The experience of fatigue in the first 2 years after moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury: a preliminary report

J Head Trauma Rehabil. 2008 Jan-Feb;23(1):17-24. doi: 10.1097/01.HTR.0000308717.80590.22.

Abstract

Fatigue is a well-recognized issue for individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI). This prospective study examined the rate and types of fatigue that are experienced by a cohort of individuals with TBI within the first 2 years, using a multidimensional fatigue scale. The impact of factors such as demographics, injury severity indices, and concomitant psychosocial variables was also examined. Using 2 measures of overall fatigue, 16%-32% at Year 1 and 21%-34% at Year 2 reported significant levels of fatigue. Fatigue did not appear to change between 1 and 2 years post-TBI. Sleep quality was the most prevalent concomitant disturbance followed by depression and pain.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain Injuries / complications*
  • Depression / etiology
  • Fatigue / diagnosis*
  • Fatigue / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Injury Severity Score
  • Male
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Pain / etiology
  • Pain Measurement
  • Prospective Studies
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / etiology
  • Time Factors