Mental fatigue assessment may add information after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Abstract

Background Mental fatigue, as part of cognitive dysfunction, has been reported to be common after subarachnoid hemorrhage and it significantly affects quality of life. Aims of the Study The aim of this study was to assess mental fatigue one year after an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and to correlate the degree of mental fatigue to functional outcome assessed with the Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOSE). Methods One year after an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, the GOSE was assessed and a questionnaire for self‐assessment of mental fatigue, the Mental Fatigue Scale, was distributed to all included patients. The maximum score is 42 and a score of ≥10.5 indicates mental fatigue. Results All patients with GOSE 8, indicating full recovery, had a mental fatigue score of <10.5. A linear correlation between the GOSE and the mental fatigue score was observed (p < 0.0001). Conclusions Patients with a favorable outcome and GOSE 5–7 could benefit from the assessments of mental fatigue in order to receive satisfactory rehabilitation.

Fatigue After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Clinical Characteristics and Associated Factors in Patients With Good Outcome

“…The instrument used for measuring fatigue was, however, different as Buunk et al ( 2018 ) used The Dutch Multifactor Fatigue Scale. Sörbo et al ( 2019 ) investigated post-aSAH fatigue with the MFS questionnaire only and found 57% of patients scoring ≥10.5 points. They used no other questionnaires and their evaluation of physical fatigue was hence not beyond the means of the present study.…”

“…Sörbo et al ( 2019 ) demonstrated a correlation between MFS score and functional outcome after aSAH as expressed with GOSE, where none of their fully recovered patients (GOSE 8) had an MFS sum score suggestive of mental fatigue (≥10.5). Presently, all five mRS 0 patients scored ≥4 on FSS and three of them scored ≥10.5 on MFS.…”

“…Levels of fatigue after aSAH were also found to be related to outcome measures like Return to Work (RTW) and Glasgow outcome score extended (GOSE). In the study by Sörbo et al ( 2019 ), a majority (57%) of aSAH patients experienced mental fatigue, however a more precise delineation of the core problems in individuals with post-aSAH fatigue is still lacking.…”

Long‐term outcomes after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: A prospective observational cohort study

“…Particularly, fatigue was a very common concern in our study, which is in accordance with other studies. [32][33][34] Rehabilitation in the first months after an aSAH often focuses on helping the patient manage their ADLs, return home and, if possible, return to work. Less attention has been paid to more diffuse, cognitive symptoms that may manifest later.…”

(−)-OSU6162 in the treatment of fatigue and other sequelae after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study

“…Fatigue after aSAH has been described as prevailingly mental fatigue, 1,24 and therefore we also used the Mental Fatigue Scale (MFS). 25 It consists of 15 items that relate to fatigue, sleep patterns, and affective and cognitive symptoms.…”