Introduction: Fatigue has been cited as a common problem associated with traumatic brain injury.
A positive association of fatigue has been suggested with insomnia and depression
which are also considered to be significantly associated with traumatic brain injury.
Aims and Objectives: The present study in post-traumatic brain injury patients is
planned to assess the prevalence of fatigue, depression and insomnia, the correlation
of fatigue with depression and insomnia and the risk factors associated with fatigue.
Material and Methodology: Total 100 patients were recruited in the present study.
Interview was focused on assessment of severity of traumatic brain injury, fatigue,
insomnia and depression using Glasgow Coma Scale, Fatigue Severity Scale, Insomnia
Severity Index and Patients Health Questionnaire(PHQ-9) respectively. Results: Prevalence of depression was found 84% while that of fatigue and insomnia was 50%
and 49% respectively. All patients with fatigue had depression whereas those patients
without fatigue were also found to have depression (68%) and this correlation was
found statistically significant. Similarly, insomnia was reported in 70% of patients
who were fatigued against 28% of patients with no fatigue. This was also found statistically
significant (P <0.0002). Conclusion: Fatigue in common in post TBI patients. Insomnia and depression are closely associated
with fatigue. Clinical and research investigations of fatigue in post-traumatic brain
injury should include concomitant screening for treatable depressive symptoms and
sleep disorders.
Key-words:
Depression - fatigue - insomnia - traumatic brain injury
