Fatigue Caused by TBI
Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury
Individuals suffering a traumatic brain injury often times will experience fatigue as a symptom. It is estimated that over 50% of individuals with a traumatic brain injury also suffer fatigue.
Fatigue is a feeling of exhaustion, tiredness, weariness, or lack of energy. Fatigue following traumatic brain injury may consist of more than one kind including:
- Physical Fatigue: Muscle weakness and an inability to do activities especially worse in the evening after a busy day.
- Psychological Fatigue: An inability to get motivated to do anything, depression, and worse when under stress.
- Mental Fatigue: Cognitive fatigue and an inability to concentrate.
Causes of TBI Fatigue
There are many factors that can cause fatigue following a traumatic brain injury including:
- Depression
- Pain
- Sleep Disorders
- Neuroendocrine Abnormalities: low thyroid, low adrenaline, low testosterone, and low growth hormone.
- Medications: Certain medications prescribed for spasticity, seizures, and mood can cause fatigue.
In some victims of TBI, no cause for fatigue can be found. It is very important to list the symptoms and consult your treating physicians.
Treating TBI Fatigue
Often time the treating physicians can consider stimulants to help with fatigue, such as:
- Amantadine
- Methylpheniddate (Ritalin)
- Detroamphetamine/Amphetamine (Adderall)
- Modafinil (Provigil)
- Armodafinil (Nuvigil)
In addition to consulting with your treating physician and discussing medication, other things can be done to help fight fatigue as well:
- Try to improve sleep habits by discussing with your physician if there are problems such as insomnia or sleep apnea or other problems with your sleep pattern that the physician can help.
- Allow time for rest periods during the day.
- Try changing your schedule so the things that require the most physical or mental effort are done earlier in the day.
- Make certain, with your physician's permission, you are following an exercise program that can help with physical endurance and mental alertness, will improve your diet, and help your metabolism. An exercise program should start off gradually and then increase with your physician's permission.
-
Car Accident Traumatic Brain Injury
I would definitely recommend Karns & Kerrison to anyone who asked - they come through for you.- Patricia Feeley
-
Slipped on Greasy Floor
I have no reservations whatsoever in recommending Karns & Kerrison.- Mike Carey
-
Rear End Collision
Nothing but positive results from consultation, to filing the legal suit, handling of a major operation, to recovery and finalizing a generous settlement.- Larry Goldfarb
-
Horrible Car Accident
They not only got me a fair settlement, they helped to get me well.- Nancy
-
Motor Vehicle Accident - Braga Bridge
It was comforting to know I had someone watching out for me.- Jeanie Small
-
Pedestrian hit by Car
I did not know where to turn when I realized I needed legal help but I am very happy that I found Karns & Kerrison.- Martin