People with MS are susceptible to normal fatigue and cannot and should not avoid that. A very different fatigue is that of short-circuiting . This is nerve fatigue and results in a measurable decrease in the function of a muscle. This is frequently in the lower extremities but occurs often in the uppers as well. The fatigue of depression may not be recognized by the MS person.
Depression presents with poor sleeping, eating, and feelings.
Fatigue often results and must be managed by appropriate medications and counseling. Lassitude is the most common fatigue in MS and can occur without depression. It presents as an overwhelming sleepiness that may be quite disabling. Management is with stimulating antidepressants, cerebral stimulants, and amantidine. The occupational therapist helps the fatigue management by teaching more efficient ways to dress, eat, groom, bathroom, and live.