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
MS Fatigue - General Overview
This webinar is presented by MS Employment Consultant, Diana Groenewald. It will help explain the experience of fatigue for people living with multiple sclerosis as well as provide some strategies for managing fatigue.
(Recorded 11 July 2018)
Webinar Handout:
Fatigue and Multiple Sclerosis
Managing MS Fatigue - General Management Strategies
This webinar will help you explore management strategies for this invisible symptom. Energy effectiveness techniques, diet, exercise and communication will all form part of the discussion.
(Recorded April 2018)
Webinar handout:
MS Fatigue Management Strategies 
Managing Multiple Sclerosis Fatigue at Work
This webinar is presented by Natalie Holland, from our MS Employment Support Service. The webinar will cover and focus on fatigue management strategies within the context of work. Including: getting to work, whilst you are at work, creative rest breaks, equipment and gadgets, entitlements and where to go for follow up.
(Recorded 26 November 2018)
Webinar handout
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.