Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Fatigue is an important, under-recognized, and complex problem in multiple sclerosis (MS). There are several interacting causes of this fatigue and most will respond to treatment. Factors identified as contributing to the overall problem include disease process related fatigue, fatigue related to intercurrent infection, iatrogenic fatigue (caused by medications), fatigue of handicap, lack of energy related to depression, and fatigue due to disordered or disrupted sleep. Management of fatigue is a multidisciplinary process. Effective treatment requires analysis of the contributing factors in each patient and treatment or management of those factors.