Hi Roline,
We’re sorry to hear about your stroke and the ongoing impacts it is having on you. Ongoing headaches, brain fog and coordination and balance issues are all common post stroke and can have a big impact on your day to day life. It is hard to say how long these symptoms will last or what recovery will look like for you as it’s a very individualized process. But we encourage you to seek support through your GP/Neurologist or any allied health staff you may be involved with such as a physiotherapist or occupational therapist.
We have developed a My Stroke Journey booklet that most people receive in hospital post stroke as a resource. We can also post one out to you if you think that would be helpful - just send us your address.
Fatigueis very common after a stroke and can be described as a feeling of weariness, tiredness or lack of energy.Symptoms offatiguecan include headache, dizziness, blurred vision, increased pain, aching muscles and reduced coordination and balance. Other symptoms include ‘brain fog’, impaired memory and decision-making, moodiness or irritability, anxiety and depression or low motivation. It can be difficult to say exactly how long these feelings of fatigue will last. However, there are things that you can do to help managefatigue.It is important to balance activity and rest levels and understand that it is normal for it to take time to return to previous energy levels post stroke.
You may find more information about fatigue on our EnableMe website here or the Stroke Foundation website here.
An Occupational Therapist can assist with energy conservationmanagementtechniques that may be helpful to combatfatigue, especially when working. You can search for a local Occupational therapist by talking with your GP or through Occupational Therapy Australia (Ph. 1300 682 878) here.
Headaches can occur after both haemorrhagic and ischaemic strokes or can also be a side effect of medicines. A dull, generalised headache can sometimes be part of post-stroke fatigue as well. It’s important to speak to your neurologist or GP if you are suffering form ongoing headaches.
If you would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact us on StrokeLine 1800 787 653 or email strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au. We are available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm AEST.
All the best,
StrokeLine