Factors Related to Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis

Fatigue is a common symptom among people with multiple sclerosis (MS). An anonymous Web-based survey of people with MS by self-report was conducted, and 2439 responses were obtained. Among respondents, 64% reported fatigue that interfered with social, work, or home life on at least half of all days for at least 6 weeks. Significant fatigue cofactors were identified by 74% of respondents reporting fatigue who received regular medical care, including depression (44%), sleep problems (25%), ambulation difficulties (22%), a demanding lifestyle (20%), other medical comorbidities (14%), and medication side effects (8%). Those not reporting significant fatigue cofactors (26%) were considered to have primary MS-related fatigue, and the following interventions were reported to be helpful by those who had tried them: modafinil (84%), passive cooling techniques (80%), energy conservation strategies (75%), amantadine (61%), exercise (58%), yoga (57%), caffeine (47%), vitamin B complex (40%), and vitamin B₁₂ (36%).