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Fatigue

Fatigue - an overwhelming tiredness - is one of the most common invisible symptoms of MS.

Some people find it's the symptom that affects them most. But there are ways to manage it and minimise its effects on your life.

What causes MS fatigue?

Different factors can cause fatigue when you have MS. We separate them into primary fatigue and secondary fatigue.

  • 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 MS symptoms like pain, or disturbed sleep.