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Measurement and prediction of subjective fatigue following traumatic brain injury

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 July 2005

CARLO ZIINO  and
JENNIE PONSFORD
CARLO ZIINO
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Monash University, Australia
JENNIE PONSFORD
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Monash University, Australia Monash-Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre, Australia
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Abstract

Numerous outcome studies have found fatigue to be a common problem following traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study examined the magnitude, causes and impact of fatigue following TBI using three subjective fatigue scales, and investigated its relationship with demographic and injury-related factors, and mood. Forty-nine controls and 49 TBI participants (36.2% with GCS score of 13–15, 29.8% with GCS score of 9–12, and 34% with GCS score of 3–8) were seen at a mean of approximately 8 months post injury. All participants completed three subjective fatigue measures, including the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Visual Analogue Scale–Fatigue (VAS–F) and Causes of Fatigue Questionnaire (COF). TBI participants reported a significantly greater impact of fatigue on their lifestyle on the FSS relative to controls, and reported activities requiring physical and mental effort as more frequent causes of fatigue on the COF. There were, however, no significant group differences on subscales of the VAS–F. Greater time since injury and higher education levels were associated with higher fatigue levels, independent of the effects of mood. Injury severity and age were not found to be significant predictors of subjective fatigue severity in TBI participants. (JINS, 2005, 11, 416–425.)

Keywords

FatigueClosed head injuriesBrain injuriesDepressionAnxiety
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society , Volume 11 , Issue 4 , July 2005 , pp. 416 - 425
Copyright
© 2005 The International Neuropsychological Society

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