MS Related Fatigue
A 2003 study demonstrated that fatigue is more common than other major symptoms such as: motor difficulties, spasticity, and weakness. The national Multiple Sclerosis Society reports that up to 95% of persons with MS report fatigue as a symptom. Fatigue is reported by people with all types of MS and both genders.
It is the “hidden symptom” that is not easily seen by others. It is often misinterpreted as a mood disorder or just plain laziness by others.
The Multiple Sclerosis Council for Clinical Practice Guidelines defines fatigue as “lack of physical energy, mental energy, or both: It further breaks it down into two general types.
- Chronic persistent fatigue is described as a “sluggishness” that limits activities for a period 6 weeks or more and occurs for part of the day on at least half of all days.
- Acute fatigue is defined as a new or noticeable worsened fatigue in individuals who have experience chronic persistent fatigue: it can be a marker for the worsening of other MS symptoms.
For those of us with MS, fatigue can be a constant companion, occurring on a daily or almost-daily basis. It also occurs more suddenly in those with MS, tends to come on more easily than in healthy individuals, and can be much more sever. MS-related fatigue is often reported in the morning, even after a restful night’s sleep, and usually worsen over the course of the day. Heat and humidity often make it worse.
There are many non-pharmacologic therapies for MS fatigue.
- occupations therapy
- physical therapy
- sleep regulation (including the use of sleep medications)
- stress management, physiological interventions such as: stress management, psychotherapy, and relaxation therapy
- strategies to manage heat-related fatigue
- fatigue medications
Always consult a medical profession who can recommend the options that are best for you.