Fatigue and factors associated with that in multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system that is chronic and unpredictable. While most people think of multiple sclerosis as a disease that causes muscle weakness, numbness, and pain, fatigue is the most common complaint. Despite this fact, it is one of the most misunderstood symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate fatigue in multiple sclerosis is a diagnostic challenge. Materials and Methods: A non-interventional, cross-sectional study of 100 individuals was conducted in the Multiple Sclerosis clinic of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. Patients were divided into groups with and without complaints of fatigue. The course of the disease was determined for all patients. To quantify fatigue, the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale was used. Furthermore, mood disorders, pain, disability, nocturia, insomnia, and spasticity were evaluated among the patients. Results: Fatigue was seen in 61 patients. Depression was reported in 23 patients, of whom 19 had fatigue (p=0.015). Anxiety was also seen in 40 patients, of whom 33 had fatigue (p>0.001). The pain was reported in 76 patients, of whom 53 had fatigue (p=0.001). Insomnia was reported in 27 patients, of whom 21 had fatigue (p=0.036). Nocturia was reported in 10 patients, of whom 9 had fatigue (p=0.047). Spasticity was detected in 9 patients, all of whom had fatigue (p=0.012).