Debilitating fatigue affects more than 70 per cent of stroke survivors, making it the most common post-stroke symptom.
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However, researchers are hoping to prove the effectiveness of a drug - already used for sleeping disorders such as narcolepsy - to treat severe and persisting fatigue after a stroke.
With hospitals in Newcastle, Melbourne and Adelaide already participating in the research, Launceston General Hospital has become the latest to come on board.
The MIDAS2 (Modafinil in Debilitating Fatigue After Stroke 2) study will test whether 200 milligrams of modafinil taken for 56 days is safe and if it can alleviate stroke-related fatigue in a much larger group of stroke survivors.
Head of the LGH's stroke department Dr Dinesh Tryambake will serve as the study's principal investigator for Tasmania, along with neurologist Dr Matt Lee-Archer, with support from the Clifford Craig Foundation. With the highest stroke rate per capita in the country, Dr Tryambake said the trial could make a significant difference to many Tasmanians.
"People, although they make a good physical recovery, about 70 per cent of the stroke survivors still complain of increased tiredness, a lack of energy and initiative to do anything," he said.
"That can sometimes be debilitating. Even though they are walking independently, they are able to carry on their activities. But just because of their symptoms, they become quite incapacitated.
"We don't know what exactly the mechanism is for these particular symptoms and there are very limited treatment options for these particular symptoms. This research could change that."
A previous study testing modafinil in stroke survivors with debilitating fatigue found that after six weeks of treatment it reduced fatigue and improved the quality of life for many trial participants.
As part of the phase three research, participants will have three visits to the hospital within the 56 days and be assessed for changes in their quality of life, fatigue scale and cognitive improvement.
Dr Tryambake said if the drug proved effective, it could become a standard treatment for stroke patients.
"At the moment the drug [modafinil] is very expensive, about $200," he said. "But, if this trial shows positive results, this could become a routine treatment for those patients who have the symptoms, on the PBS [Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme]."
For more information call 6777 6010 or email enquiries@cliffordcraig.org.au.
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Jessica Willard
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
