ABSTRACT
Fatigue following an acquired brain injury (ABI) is frequently reported and has a negative impact on rehabilitation outcomes and quality of life. Whilst evidence for overall effectiveness of rehabilitation following an ABI is relatively robust, the same is not true for the assessment, intervention and evaluation of any associated fatigue. Biological, psychological and social factors contribute to the experience and expression of fatigue following an ABI, impacting both clinical assessment and management. This chapter explores current thinking about fatigue following ABI, assessment approaches and considerations for management. Clinically, people report feeling unprepared for this consequence of their brain injury and report a lack of understanding and attention to this symptom by clinicians, caregivers and family members. Evidence to guide clinical interventions for fatigue following ABI remains inadequate. Fatigue is rarely studied as the primary outcome and measures of fatigue vary between studies, making comparison challenging.
