title: Pathophysiology, assessment and management of multiple sclerosis fatigue: an update.
abstract: Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis, affecting almost 80% of patients with 55% of them reporting it as one of the worst symptoms experienced, often independently of the level of disability. Areas covered: We review the main pathophysiological hypothesis, fatigue assessment scales, and its management. Expert commentary: Fatigue pathophysiology is complex and is often influenced by other secondary but relevant factors (e.g. psychological disturbances, musculoskeletal problems, sleep disorders and medication side effects) which may vary over time. Both peripheral and central mechanisms are implicated. The large heterogeneity of the assessment scales, which were used in the therapeutic trials, is partially responsible for the uncertainty of their results. To date, the best therapeutic approach seems to be from a multidisciplinary management involving exercise, rehabilitation and education in conjunction with medication.
authors.affiliation: a USC Neurologia , ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII , Bergamo , Italy.
authors.forename: Mariarosa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rottoli
authors.affiliation: a USC Neurologia , ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII , Bergamo , Italy.
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: La Gioia
authors.affiliation: a USC Neurologia , ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII , Bergamo , Italy.
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Frigeni
authors.affiliation: a USC Neurologia , ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII , Bergamo , Italy.
authors.forename: Valeria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Barcella
mesh_terms: D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005221:Fatigue / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders
keywords: Fatigue; multiple sclerosis; pathophysiology; scales; treatment