Primary fatigue is caused by MS damage in the brain and spinal cord. And lots of processes might be involved. One idea from researchers is that passing messages around nerve damage takes extra energy. Secondary fatigue is caused by living with
The most commonly proposed primary mechanisms of fatigue in MS involve the immune system or sequelae from central nervous system damage. Specific causes are thought to include proinflammatory cytokines, endocrine influences, axonal loss, and altered patterns of cerebral activation.
It can be acute (lasting a month or less) or chronic (lasting from 1 to 6 months or longer). Fatigue can prevent you from functioning normally and affects your quality of life. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 80% of people with MS have fatigue.
My brain goes fuzzy, I can't think clearly, my speech slurs and my eyesight goes. Swallowing becomes more difficult, my balance gets worse and my legs feel heavy and clumsy. Unlike the limits of normal, everyday tiredness, which may give a little when pushed against, MS fatigue can feel like a barrier.
Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis, occurring in about 80 percent of people. It can significantly interfere with a person's ability to function at home and work, and is one of the primary causes of early departure from the workforce.
MS fatigue can be physical and mental; it saps energy in an instant and can stop you from completing tasks. MS fatigue can be very debilitating and, unlike 'ordinary' fatigue, it can take a long time to recover from. MS fatigue is often overwhelming.
When MS is progressing, you might notice those muscles are not only getting weaker, but you're having more tightness and cramping in that area, too, Dr. Samdrawlar says. A general worsening can be true for whatever symptom you have, whether it's vision, numbness, or balance issues.
There's conflicting evidence about which drugs, if any, ease MS-related fatigue. Some studies show that amantadine may have a moderate effect for some people. Other research found that modafinil or methylphenidate could improve wakefulness in people with excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS).
Dr. Dujmovic Basuroski says she and other UNC neurologists who treat MS patients often recommend the Mediterranean diet. It's largely plant-based and limits saturated fats and sugar while emphasizing anti-inflammatory foods such as fruits, leafy green vegetables and olive oil.
Get rest. Schedule regular breaks to restore your energy. You can take either a few 10- to 15-minute power naps or one longer 1- to 2-hour nap.
Naps should be avoided when possible. If you need to take a nap for your health and well-being, that's fine, but you can do it in a smart way. My clinic recommends limiting napping to about 30 minutes. And try to do it as early in the day as possible.
When you have MS and you exercise, it can improve your fitness, endurance, and strength in your arms and legs. Studies have shown that this can also give you better control over your bowel and bladder function, and decreased overall fatigue. And it can give your mood a boost.
As expected fatigue was a significant symptom for the people with MS in the studies included, it was commonly experienced and often affected those people severely. Daytime sleepiness was observed less often than fatigue and was usually less severe, but it had a significant impact on the people it did affect.
Summary. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system that can affect the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. Common symptoms include fatigue, bladder and bowel problems, sexual problems, pain, cognitive and mood changes such as depression, muscular changes and visual changes.
Vitamins that seem of particular interest to people with MS include vitamin D, the antioxidant vitamins, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. Vitamin D Vitamin D is a hormone, or chemical messenger, in the body.
You're severely affected by MS if it restricts a lot how much you can move around. You'll also have a lot of MS symptoms at the same time. These won't go away and are complicated to deal with. All this means that, in your day to day life, you have to rely on others a lot, or completely.
Losing your ability to communicate. Immobility, which may lead to pressure sores and blood clots. Increased levels of pain. Mental decline or confusion.
Pulmonary complications.
MS can weaken the muscles that control the lungs. Such respiratory issues are the major cause of sickness and death in people in the final stages of MS.
If you have MS , check with your doctor before starting a routine. People with MS can benefit from at least 30 minutes of physical activity at least three days a week. For someone with MS , exercise that's too aggressive can bring on severe fatigue and injury and exacerbate symptoms.
Symptoms such as fatigue, spasticity, depression, and anxiety often intertwine to contribute to weight gain. People who are tired or can't move easily may become more sedentary and may consume more calories than they burn off, says Costello.
MS dizziness and vertigo is likely to make you feel nauseous. Many people with MS experience symptoms related to digestion, including dyspepsia, which causes an uncomfortable feeling of fullness and bloating along with pain. Digestive problems can also lead to nausea. MS bowel problems can leave you feeling queasy.
Here's where MS (typically) starts
You may experience eye pain, blurred vision and headache. It often occurs on one side and can eventually lead to partial or total vision loss. Spinal cord inflammation, or what's called partial transverse myelitis, is the second most common symptom Shoemaker typically sees.