Visual Problems are Associated with Long-Term Fatigue after Stroke.

OBJECTIVE

Post-stroke fatigue may be associated with functioning even in patients with mild stroke. In order to guide rehabilitation, the aim of this study was to investigate the independent contribution of 12 function-related domains to severe long-term fatigue.

DESIGN

Observational follow-up study.

SUBJECTS

A total of 144 stroke survivors (mean age 67.3, standard deviation (SD) 10.9 years) were included.

METHODS

Fatigue 3-4 years post-stroke was measured with the Fatigue Severity Scale (cut-off ≥5). Independent variables were the multidimensional Stroke-Specific Quality of Life scale with 12 domains, demographics, and baseline stroke characteristics.

RESULTS

Most of the participants had mild and moderate stroke. Thirty-five percent (n = 51) reported severe fatigue 3-4 years after stroke. Those living with a significant other, and working participants reported significantly less fatigue. All domains of the Stroke-specific Quality of Life scale were significantly associated with the Fatigue Severity Scale. Adjusted for age, sex, marital status, and work status, the domains "energy", "mood", and, unexpectedly, the domain "vision", were all variables independently associated with severe long-term fatigue.

CONCLUSION

Stroke survivors with prominent self-reported visual problems were more likely to experience fatigue. This finding should be verified in further studies. Visual examination and visual rehabilitation may reduce fatigue in selected stroke survivors.