Multiple sclerosis-related fatigue lacks a unified definition: A narrative review

Fatigue is the most common symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS). Although MS-related fatigue (MS-F) strongly affects quality of life and social performance of patients, there is currently a lack of knowledge about its pathophysiology, which in turns leads to poor objective diagnosis and management. Re...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Iman Adibi, Mehdi Sanayei, Farinaz Tabibian, Neda Ramezani, Ahmad Pourmohammadi, Kiarash Azimzadeh
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2022-01-01
Series:Journal of Research in Medical Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.jmsjournal.net/article.asp?issn=1735-1995;year=2022;volume=27;issue=1;spage=24;epage=24;aulast=Adibi
Description
Summary:Fatigue is the most common symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS). Although MS-related fatigue (MS-F) strongly affects quality of life and social performance of patients, there is currently a lack of knowledge about its pathophysiology, which in turns leads to poor objective diagnosis and management. Recent studies have attempted to explain potential etiologies as well as treatments for MS-F. However, it seems that without a consensus on its nature, these data could not provide a route to a successful approach. In this Article, we review definitions, epidemiology, risk factors and correlated comorbidities, pathophysiology, assessment methods, neuroimaging findings, and pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments of MS-F. Further studies are warranted to define fatigue in MS patients more accurately, which could result in precise diagnosis and management.
ISSN:1735-1995
1735-7136