A transient ischemic attack (TIA), otherwise known as a mini-stroke, is a temporary block in blood flow to the brain. While it may cause symptoms that disappear quickly, a recent study has found that about half of people who have a TIA experience long-term tiredness that can last up to one year.
Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, a board-certified internist and author of “From Fatigued to Fantastic!,” noted that as many as 500,000 to 650,000 Americans may experience post-TIA or stroke fatigue each year—a condition he says is highly treatable with well-tolerated dietary supplements.
Healthy lifestyle practices can also help reduce the risk of this frequent cause of tiredness.
Post-TIA Long-Term Tiredness
Symptoms of a TIA may include slurred speech, arm weakness, and face drooping, which typically disappear within a day. However, preliminary evidence suggests that some people continue to face challenges such as depression, thinking problems, anxiety, reduced quality of life, and tiredness.To examine the extent of the tiredness, a study published in Neurology monitored a group of 354 people with an average age of 70 who had had a TIA. Participants completed questionnaires about their energy levels two weeks after the event and again at three, six, and 12 months. At the two-week mark, 61 percent reported significant tiredness, and at later check-ins, up to 54 percent reported that the fatigue remained.
“If people experience fatigue within two weeks after leaving the hospital, it is likely they will continue to have fatigue for up to a year,” study author Dr. Boris Modrau of Aalborg University Hospital in Denmark, said in a statement.
Early indicators may include tiredness that significantly interferes with daily activities and concentration, coauthor Birgitte Hede Ebbesen told The Epoch Times in an email. Some people may also experience mood changes.
A limitation of the study is the possibility that some questionnaires were completed with help from relatives or caretakers rather than independently. If so, this may have influenced responses about fatigue.
Addressing Post-TIA Tiredness
Teitelbaum said that several key factors may cause post-TIA tiredness. One is unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as lack of exercise—so the same behaviors that help prevent TIAs may also reduce lingering fatigue. While other factors can play a role, he highlighted the ones he considers most important and discusses how to address them:Brain Inflammation
“Whenever you have a temporary loss of blood flow in the body, restoring it triggers a severe form of brain inflammation caused by oxidative stress, an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants,” Teitelbaum said.Oxidative stress contributes to brain inflammation, which damages brain cells or neurons.
“The oxidative stress that stems from the restored flow of oxygen after a TIA is like setting a fire in the brain tissue,” he said. “Antioxidants are needed to put the fire out, but most people don’t have enough of them due to the horrible American diet.”
Counteract Inflammation
To help counter oxidative stress and support brain recovery, Teitelbaum recommends a high-potency multivitamin rich in antioxidants. “I recommend one called the Energy Revitalization Drink Mix, which, when taken daily, can make a very substantial difference in energy levels while helping brain tissue to heal,” he said.Another antioxidant he recommends is lipoic acid, taken at 300 milligrams twice daily for three months.
Brain inflammation can also be mitigated with a supplement called palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), Teitelbaum said. According to a study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, PEA is a neural tissue-protecting compound, produced within the brain and spinal cord in response to injury or inflammation. Researchers found that PEA reduced inflammatory substances and boosted the production of anti-inflammatory substances.
Teitelbaum uses a product called PEA Healthy Inflammation Response because of its high absorption.
“PEA also triggers nerve cell regeneration and healing from a brain injury,” he said. “TIAs and strokes can cause a type of injury to the nerve cells that prevents them from functioning, but they are still alive and can recover.”
Tackle Anxiety and Depression
Both anxiety and depression are associated with tiredness, so addressing them may help relieve the low energy common in people who have had a TIA or stroke, Teitelbaum said.“Curcumin, the main constituent of the spice turmeric, is effective in reducing inflammation, but it also relieves depression,” he said.
Teitelbaum recommends a highly absorbable curcumin supplement known as BCM-95.
A clinical trial published in Phytotherapy Research showed curcumin was as effective as the antidepressant fluoxetine. Depression symptoms improved by approximately 64 percent with fluoxetine and 62 percent with curcumin. When combined, fluoxetine and curcumin reduced depressive symptoms by nearly 78 percent.
To treat anxiety, Teitelbaum advocates a supplement called AnxioCalm, which contains a specific component of the herb echinacea. Another clinical trial published in Phytotherapy Research found that taking 40 milligrams twice daily for one week reduced anxiety scores by 11 points, compared with three points from a placebo. He emphasized that the form used in AnxioCalm is a targeted extract, not regular echinacea.
“The bottom line is that post-TIA and stroke tiredness can be improved dramatically, using simple natural remedies to support brain healing,” he said.
TIA and Stroke Prevention
Preventing stroke starts with taking care of your blood vessels and keeping your blood pressure stable, said Renee Young, a naturopathic doctor and the founder of Young Naturopathic Center for Wellness.“It sounds simple, but it really comes down to the choices you make every day,“ Young said. ”From a naturopathic perspective, that means focusing on the basics.”
- Eat foods for blood flow: Leafy greens, berries, fatty fish, and nuts are rich in antioxidants and omega-3s that help keep blood vessels flexible. They reduce inflammation, which protects arteries over time. In contrast, processed foods, sugary drinks, and excess salt raise blood pressure and strain the heart. Adding turmeric or ginger to meals is also beneficial—they are natural anti-inflammatories that support healthy circulation.
- Eat foods for blood sugar control: Elevated blood sugar damages blood vessels over time, increasing stroke risk. Balanced meals with healthy fats, lean protein, and plenty of fiber help keep blood sugar steady. Simple changes—like starting meals with vegetables and choosing water or herbal tea over sugary drinks—can make a meaningful difference. Fiber from vegetables slows the rate sugar enters the bloodstream, helping maintain stable levels.
- Exercise regularly: Movement is essential, but it doesn’t require hours at the gym. A brisk 30-minute walk each day supports circulation, lowers stress, and strengthens the heart. Tai chi is another option that combines gentle movement with deep breathing to calm the nervous system. Choose an activity you enjoy to stay consistent.
- Manage stress: Long-term stress raises blood pressure and triggers inflammation. Simple practices like deep breathing, meditation, or just stepping outside for a few minutes can help reduce anxiety.
- Get enough sleep: During sleep, the body repairs itself—balancing blood sugar, reducing inflammation, and supporting heart health. A consistent routine works best: Sleep in a cool, dark room and wind down without screens before bed. If falling asleep is difficult, magnesium glycinate may help by relaxing the muscles and promoting restful sleep.
- Have regular checkups: Periodic lab tests—such as for C-reactive protein for inflammation, fasting insulin for blood sugar control, and advanced lipid panels for heart health—can catch issues early. Abnormal or borderline results are an opportunity to make proactive changes.
- Make time to socialize: Staying connected protects heart health, as loneliness can raise blood pressure. Prioritize meaningful connections with friends, family, or shared-interest groups to stay fully engaged with life.
- Stop smoking and limit alcohol intake: Smoking is a major risk factor for stroke. Keep alcohol consumption to no more than two drinks per day for men and one for women.
