Fatigue in Progressive Neurological Conditions: A Literature Review

This paper reviews the current literature examining the pervasive symptom of fatigue experienced in three of the most common degenerative neurological conditions: multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease (PD) and post-polio syndrome (PPS). The existing literature can be considered under four headings definition and prevalence, type, cause, impact of fatigue. Fatigue is a common symptom in degenerative conditions and has physical, cognitive and psychosocial manifestations. Although the causes of fatigue seem to differ between conditions, its pattern, with few exceptions, is very similar regardless of diagnosis. The literature consistently shows that the impact of fatigue on the person’s physical and mental performance considerably increasing the risk of unemployment and reduced quality of life. Fatigue is one of the most disabling symptoms in degenerative neurological conditions. With few pharmacological solutions, non-pharmacological solutions for fatigue management should be considered when determining rehabilitation interventions for this group of people.