A new scientific study, published on May 14, 2025 in the journal Neurology From the American Academy of Neurology (ANA), sheds worrying light on the possible consequences of a transient ischemic accident (AI), better known as “mini-avc”. Contrary to popular belief that symptoms disappear completely in less than 24 hours, researchers show that fatigue could last far beyond, up to the event.
When the mini-BVC leaves invisible traces
An AI corresponds to a temporary obstruction of blood circulation towards the brain, causing symptoms similar to those of a classic stroke – falling on one side of the face, weakness of an arm, speech disturbances – but which are quickly absorbed. However, according to the team led by Dr. Boris Modrau, a neurologist at Aalborg University Hospital (Denmark), part of the patients concerned continue to suffer from invisible sequelae: persistent fatigue, drop in motivation, cognitive disorders, anxiety and sometimes depression.
“Our study shows that fatigue is a frequent symptom that can last up to a year after a transient ischemic accident,” said the researcher.
The work followed 354 patients with an average age of 70 years, over a period of twelve months. Participants regularly fulfilled questionnaires measuring different types of fatigue: physics, mental, loss of energy or motivation, reduction of daily activity.
Initially, the average fatigue score reached 12.3 (on a scale of 4 to 20). It decreased slightly over the months – 11.9 to three months, 11.4 to six months and 11.1 to twelve months – but remained high. More than half of the patients (54 %) still reported significant fatigue one year after their mini-HOV.
Link with anxiety and depression
The brain imaging examinations did not make it possible to explain these differences: the presence of clots was comparable between the tired patients and those who were not. On the other hand, the researchers found that the history of anxiety or depression were twice as frequent in people with persistent fatigue.
For Dr Modrau, this observation calls for increased vigilance: “ If fatigue is present in the first two weeks after an AI, it is likely that it will last up to a year. Attentive follow -up is therefore necessary in order to better understand who may suffer from chronic fatigue and adapt the management. »»
Even if this research establishes only a correlation-and not a cause and effect link-it calls into question the classic vision of the mini-avc as a simple “free warning”. For many patients, the consequences are prolonged over time and affect quality of life.
The authors recommend that people who have undergone an ATA be systematically followed in the following weeks and months, in order to detect fatigue early and offer care solutions.
Photo d’illustration : DR
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