Background: Stroke is the third largest cause of death in Sweden, each year about 30 000 people are diagnosed. Fatigue after stroke is a common hidden dysfunction that has been known only the last 10 years. It has earlier been perceived and treated as a symptom of depression after stroke. The prevalence of fatigue is 72 % in the first year after stroke, with evidence illustrating a decrease to 33% after 2 years. The aim of this study was to illustrate patient's experiences of living with fatigue after stroke. The method used was a literature study based on qualitative scientific articles.

The results of the study shows five core themes: 'Barriers to return to employment', 'Lack of knowledge and understanding', 'Change in roles', 'Invisible disabilities' and 'Limitation to perform activities'. Conclusion: Fatigue after stroke leads to the suffering of the patient and relatives. Commonly, fatigue manifests itself most often when the patient is discharged from the hospital and can occur without the presence of physical disabilities. Fatigue limits the social life and creates conflicts in family relations. Furthermore, it creates difficulties to work and to perform physical activities. This ultimately leads to a loss of 'the self' and threatens the patient's sense of coherence. Healthcare workers have insufficient knowledge regarding fatigue to be able to provide adequate care and rehabilitation.