Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of MS, occurring in about 80% of people with multiple sclerosis. Fatigue can significantly interfere with a person's ability to work and function. It may be the most prominent symptom in a person who otherwise has minimal disease impacts.
Researchers are beginning to outline the characteristics of multiple sclerosis fatigue that make it different from fatigue experienced by other people.
Multiple sclerosis fatigue generally occurs on a daily basis and:
- tends to worsen as the day progresses
- tends to be aggravated by heat and humidity
- comes on more easily and suddenly
- is generally more severe than normal fatigue
- is more likely to interfere with daily responsibilities.
The cause of fatigue in multiple sclerosis is currently unknown. Ongoing studies are seeking to find an objective test that can be used as a marker for fatigue and for precise ways to measure it.
Create your own personalised symptom report using the Get your ACT together tool. The content is designed for people in the ACT, however it’s filled with information and handy tips and tricks that are useful for all people living with multiple sclerosis, wherever you live. The tool focuses on emotions, fatigue and continence, cognition, heat sensitivity, and pain.
Learn more: FACETS: A fatigue management program
FACETS (Fatigue: Applying Cognitive behavioural and Energy Effectiveness Techniques to LifeStyle) is an evidence-based group program for people living with multiple sclerosis. It’s designed to help you learn to manage your fatigue.
Learn more: Get Your ACT Together online tool
To hear more symptom management strategies try the Get Your ACT Together online tool which provides you with a personalised symptom management report.
Learn more: publications
Learn more: previous webinars
Managing Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis - Management Strategies (60 mins)
This webinar is presented an MS Education and Wellbeing Program Coordinator, Andrea Salmon, who will discuss the types of fatigue people with MS experience and explore fatigue management strategies. Andrea will identify contributing factors and give advice on where you can access further information and support. (Recorded 10 February 2021)
Webinar Handout: Managing Faigue in Multiple Sclerosis
Managing Multiple Sclerosis Fatigue - General Management Strategies (30 mins)
Presented by MS Employment Consultant, Jacqueline Efthimiou, this webinar will help explain the experience of fatigue for people living with multiple sclerosis as well as provide some strategies for managing fatigue. (Recorded 11 February 2020)
Webinar handout: Fatigue Management is Multiple Sclerosis - General Overview
Working with Mutliple Sclerosis - Managing Fatigue at Work
This webinar is presented by Annabelle Brodsky, MS Employment Support Consultant. Annabelle will provide information about fatigue management strategies in the context of work, and in particular look at strategies to support you getting to work, and whilst you are at work, how to incorporate rest breaks, equipment and gadgets to help you succeed. (Recorded 19 November 2019)
Webinar Handout:
Working with Multiple Sclerosis - Managing Fatigue at Work
Learn more: upcoming programs
Visit our MS Education section to learn more about upcoming programs. For more information or to register please email education@ms.org.au or call MS Connect™ (Freecall 1800 042 138).
Seeing MS - Fatigue
Photographed by Juliet Taylor
Inspired by Darcy McCann's invisible symptom
It's like I'm deflated. I don't feel like doing anything.
- DARCY MCCANN -
Fatigue
Nerves can slowly give in to being constantly under siege, reducing your level of energy at any point during your day.
Juliet Taylor
Award-winning photographer Juliet Taylor uses a playful approach to capture the quirky and surreal. The result is a striking collection of work fueled by her ambition to innovate and discover with a camera.
About Darcy
Darcy was diagnosed with MS at only 10 years old. On the days that his fatigue hasn’t completely exhausted his energy, he loves to fish and simply be surrounded by friends.