Multiple sclerosis problems – MS fatigue.

Let us look at what fatigue literally means. The low energy levels which occur spontaneously within the body or those which are triggered due to excessive physical or mental activity etc. might be termed as fatigue. This might as well result due to sudden change in body temperature or improper vital functioning of the body organs such as digestion etc., which is generally relieved or subsides with a certain amount of relaxation and rest. Coming to MS fatigue, this does not happen to be much different from the fatigue discussed in general terms, but is probably the most uncomfortable, disabling and common symptom of MS. Though similar to the fatigue experienced by general non-MS population, MS fatigue is experienced by upto 90% of the MS patients as compared to around 10% of general population who experience fatigue.


Fatigue experienced by MS patients can be distinguished as primary and secondary fatigue. The cause of primary MS fatigue might be thought to be the basic ms disease itself. Secondary fatigue might be caused due to a number of reasons discussed further on. It is important to differentiate between primary MS fatigue and secondary fatigue related to other causes such as physical/mental strain, indigestion, sleep disorders, etc, to be able to address the MS fatigue in a helpful and effective way. These causes are differently modifiable under various conditions and therefore, these two types of fatigues can be differentiated based on this. For example fatigue related to sleep disorders should be addressed by pin pointing at the major complaint of the disorder and then treating it through pharmacological or non pharmacological ways.


There is every possibility for an MS patient to develop fatigue due to any other general causes and this possibility should not be ruled out. The other causes that need to be investigated and kept an eye on, including the ones discussed above are physical/ mental strain, sudden temperature change in the body, abnormal functioning of the body organs, sleep disorders, infections (such as flu, etc.), psychological effects (such as depression, etc.), improper mutrition, or the drugs which are administered to slow down the progression or help with other symptoms.


Thus, it is important to get to the root cause of an uncomforting MS symptom like fatigue. That being said, whatever be the cause, fatigue in MS has always been the major reason for a poor life quality and diminished physical abilities.


After determining the root cause, your doctor must gauge the severity of your fatigue. This might help him/her to administer the right medication pertaining to the cause and severity of the fatigue you are experiencing. The causes discussed above might also turn out to be MS symptoms inter-related to fatigue. So your health care expert might consider treating fatigue, sleep disorders, pain, depression etc. in a cluster depending on your specific condition.


Generally, in MS patients (including me), the worst fatigue experiences happen to be a combination of more than one of the above factors. A close check on your body reflexes, reactions and symptoms including a specific care plan will help you and your medical helpers to get you through such symptoms to a better standard of living.

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