What it's like living with fatigue after a brain injury

I had a traumatic brain injury in March and can vouch that the exhaustion is definitely entirely different to feeling tired.

I’m 3.5 years out from my TBI. I’m still dealing with the fatigue. I wake up and shower and sometimes have to take a nap before I finish getting ready for the day because I’m so tired. I’m an architect and my job is completely cognitively exhausting. I told my dad that I wake up just to get through the day to make it to the next. I’m just waiting to die. That’s no life. I’d like to have enough energy just to keep my apartment clean. I’d like to have a single hobby. I’d like to live more than just existing. The more research I do, I find that it’s less solely chronic fatigue, but more neuro fatigue. I’ve started slurring my words and forgetting words and names, specifically when I’ve used a lot of cognitive brain power recently. I’ve been working 40 hr weeks again and noticed the regression coincides with the effort I have to give at work. Neuro fatigue.

It's not fatigue. It's coming to a dead end, a brick wall with no way to power through. You can't will it away.

I had my brain injury when I was four, and at times, I feel like the fatigue and different things weren't addressed because I did well in school for a while after learning to read, but the fatigue and double vision have been an issue at times. I have types of seizures a bit. I'm trying to earn a master's degree right now. I'm full time at the post graduate level.

It's a living nightmare balance goes speech goes thanks guys keep going sending love from headway Nottingham UK xx

Low cognitive reserve.. profound brain and body fatigue after few hours of effort at anything during day. So frustrating

Similar symptoms after a severe concussion 40 years ago - extreme fatigue, depression, anxiety, and when I really struggle and done for the day add slurred speech, difficulty in structuring sentences and off-balanced to the mix. Found this amazing medication called 'Provigil' that feels like someone has switched a light on in my head and I feel just like my old self for a few hours a day.

yeah, the brain fog for me is like trying to do basic math while drunk with 3 days of no sleep after studying 2 weeks straight for a big exam. Takes about 14seconds to just identify the first number and get it lined up in your thoughts.

Stay strong stay positive keep going doing amazing things we are survivors you got this x

I am glad that I am not the only one. I have chronic fatigue because of brain lesions caused by MS, and my wife is always saying that I'm lazy and that I need to do more. I hate feeling like I am not doing enough when I'm doing my best. I can barely walk sometimes, and I commonly fall. I need to re-evaluate my life.

I found for myself if i can reduce stress that helps. This also means not "over-booking" one's day or life. Plan more of a patient day with time to do things in the afternoon/evening as things become more difficult and trying to rush things just doesn't work. And be conscious of when the brain fatigue starts as if I keep pushing myself afterwards, my ability to walk or use my hands such as to unlock a door becomes difficult. Good luck for those out there with head injuries, i know it sucks. After 20 years and I still cannot get any medical treatment!

I am still very grateful. But, I am going through exactly what they are experiencing. Post concussion syndrome from a high impact car accident - severe concussion -grade 3

Hello fellow victims appreciate watching your video I suffered a tbi 20 years ago right side, couldn't sleep more than two hours at time for 14 years and my new pain doctor gave me gabapentin a long with my other drugs, and it helped me sleep it was the first time in years I could sleep all night , but being able to sleep and my brain slowing down changed my state of being I felt sane again the thing is it must have a loud my brain to heel some what because I was only on it for a year and since then I can still sleep through the night. Though this may help someone else.

I have had my Brain Injury now 44 years. I didn't even know what a TBI was until 20 yrs ago after D5epression and seeing a Psychologist. People have given me a wide berth because I am different. Everything that you have mentioned about a B.I I can relate to. Tiredness, Brain Fog, Anxiety, Depression.

i can relate to this 100%.

It's been about 3 years and I had a motorcycle accident in 2019 where I had hurt the left frontal lobe of my brain. I thankfully don't vividly remember but, I recall quickly being exhausted a little bit before the evening. Yes my lifestyle first recovering was very prone to fighting against that fatigue but, it was very temporary as it was mainly caffeine intake that had previously fought again the fatigue that I had experienced. After 3 years I am now able to stay up longer and I would assume that it's due to the, I believe hypothalamus healing within my brain. My brain used to be up and down with energy levels and my energy levels still aren't how they used to be but, I've been able to stay up a bit longer after so long.

Thank you for this!! I struggle with this very badly.

I have the same dealing with brain tumours hopefully after planned surgery it's these symptoms are reduced. I will carry on fighting keep going . Well done lads great explanation. Helping people with a lack of awareness. Xx

😢well said sirs, nobody understand the feelings unless they're on our shoes. Even my own hubby just laughing at me when I said about neuro fatigue. 😢

Yes, the brick wall explains it... great night of sleep with a 4-hour shelf life... up at 8a and crash by noon.... 4 or 5 of energy annoying 🙄 😒 😤 I overeat in an attempt to fuel myself to get through a day... tired of taking drugs to get through a day....