Senior Neurological Physiotherapist Stephanie Kurtovich provides an in-depth look at managing fatigue. 

Fatigue is on of the most common symptom of Multiple Sclerosis. The session focuses on practical tools and a deeper understanding of the neurogenic nature of MS fatigue. 

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Video Summary

  • Duration – 60 minutes
  • Defining MS Fatigue: An explanation of why MS fatigue (neurogenic fatigue) is different from standard tiredness, often described as a “wall of fatigue” or similar to severe jet lag.
      • Primary: Caused by the disease process itself, such as demyelination and neuroinflammation.
      • Secondary: Factors we can influence, including sleep disturbances, mood, chronic pain, and medication side effects.Primary vs. Secondary Fatigue:
  • The Boom and Bust Cycle: How to identify and avoid the pattern of overdoing activity on good days only to crash later.
  • Strategic Resting: The importance of preventative resting—taking scheduled breaks before you feel exhausted to improve recovery time.
  • Types of Rest: Differentiating between physical, cognitive, sensory, and “thermal” rest to target specific types of fatigue.
  • Practical Management Tools:
    • The 4 Ds: Ditch, Do, Delegate, and Delay.
    • The 4 Ps: Plan, Pace, Prioritize, and Position.
  • Heat Sensitivity: Understanding the “Uthoff’s phenomenon” and how small rises in core body temperature can trigger fatigue.
  • Exercise Guidelines: Evidence-based recommendations for resistance and aerobic exercise that are safe and beneficial for those with MS.

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