Post-Traumatic Fatigue Syndrome

Overview

Post-Traumatic Fatigue Syndrome is a common but often under-recognised complication following brain injury, spinal trauma, or major surgery. It causes ongoing physical and mental exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest and can interfere with thinking, mobility, and emotional wellbeing.

At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we provide inpatient neurorehabilitation for adults experiencing persistent fatigue after trauma. Our multidisciplinary approach helps patients regain energy, rebuild routine, and recover independence.

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What Is Post-Traumatic Fatigue?

Post-traumatic fatigue is a prolonged state of exhaustion that develops following:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Spinal cord injury
• Surgical trauma
• Multiple fractures or polytrauma
• Prolonged ICU admission

It differs from ordinary tiredness because it may:

• Appear without exertion
• Persist despite rest or sleep
• Affect thinking, speech, and emotional control
• Be made worse by stress, noise, or multitasking

Fatigue can affect individuals regardless of injury severity, and may last for months or years if left unmanaged.

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Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Fatigue

Symptoms vary from person to person, but common effects include:

Physical Fatigue

• Feeling drained or heavy-limbed
• Reduced stamina or exercise tolerance
• Needing to nap during the day
• Slow walking or physical slowness

Cognitive Fatigue

• Difficulty concentrating or multitasking
• Slower thinking or reaction times
• Trouble following conversations
• Memory lapses or reduced motivation

Emotional Impact

• Low mood or irritability
• Anxiety about performance
• Withdrawal from social contact
• Reduced self-confidence

Fatigue may fluctuate through the day, often worsening in the afternoon or after mentally or physically demanding activities.

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What Causes It?

Fatigue can result from a combination of:

• Inflammatory or neurological changes in the brain
• Hormonal or metabolic disruption
• Medication side effects
• Sleep disturbance
• Emotional strain or anxiety
• Overstimulation during recovery
• Physical deconditioning

Fatigue is not always visible to others, making it an isolating and frustrating symptom. Early intervention and structured management can improve recovery outcomes.

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Rehabilitation at The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital

Our team supports individuals with post-traumatic fatigue through tailored inpatient neurorehabilitation. We help you understand your fatigue, manage your energy, and gradually rebuild physical and mental stamina.

Our services include:

Occupational Therapy

• Fatigue education and pacing strategies
• Routine building and daily energy mapping
• Cognitive rehabilitation and task simplification
• Goal setting for gradual return to activity

Physiotherapy

• Graded physical reconditioning
• Low-impact strengthening and mobility training
• Balance and endurance work
• Breathwork and body awareness

Neuropsychology

• Support for frustration, anxiety or depression
• Psychological strategies to manage emotional fatigue
• Cognitive coping tools
• Stress reduction and adjustment therapy

Speech and Language Therapy (if required)

• Strategies for cognitive-communication fatigue
• Conversation pacing and information processing

Specialist Nursing Care

• Medication review for fatigue-related side effects
• Nutrition and hydration advice
• Sleep hygiene and rest routine support

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Who We Help

We welcome adult patients (18+) who:

• Are experiencing persistent fatigue after trauma, surgery or brain injury
• Struggle with thinking, physical activity, or emotional regulation due to fatigue
• Have plateaued in outpatient therapy and need inpatient support
• Want to regain independence, confidence and day-to-day function

Call 01296 678800 or enquire online to discuss admission criteria.

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Why Choose The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital?

• Decades of experience in neurorehabilitation
• Consultant-led multidisciplinary care
• Therapies delivered up to 7 days a week
• Calm, supportive environment for structured recovery
• Focus on sustainable outcomes and quality of life