fatigue

Fatigue – extreme tiredness, general lethargy, need to sleep – is one of the most common symptoms of MS. Its origins are still poorly understood, which is why MS Research has supported studies to understanding more about how changes in brain function link to fatigue.

There are drug treatments for fatigue, but these are often rejected because of side effects.

Behavioural approaches

Much recent research has focused on developing behavioural approaches to living with fatigue.

One such approach is FACETS (Fatigue: Applying Cognitive behavioural and Energy effectiveness Techniques to life Style). This is a group-based self-help programme to enable people to understand their experience of fatigue and to manage it by conservation of energy and applying cognitive behavioural strategies that help to overcome some of the barriers to managing fatigue. Interaction in a group therapy setting with others who experience MS fatigue can help reinforce the value of self-management.

We run a FACETS course from our offices in Bristol. We are also funding a FACETS digital toolkit project, supplements the course.

Neuromuscular fatigue

This is a different type of fatigue, which occurs when simple movements can be made initially, but over time the muscle-power needed for movement fades.

A typical example of neuromuscular fatigue is footdrop, which is the inability to lift the foot clear of the ground while walking. Some people affected by footdrop walk well for varying lengths of time, but eventually the strength to lift the foot fades and walking becomes more difficult. This is due to changes in the nerve pathways that control movement rather than in the muscles themselves.