How can you manage the crushing fatigue from MS, and what should you do about pressure headaches?
MS fatigue affects about 80-90% of people with MS and can feel overwhelming and sudden. Many MyMSTeam members describe it as "hitting a brick wall" or "bone-crushing exhaustion" that doesn't improve with rest like normal Show Full Answer
How can you manage the crushing fatigue from MS, and what should you do about pressure headaches?
MS fatigue affects about 80-90% of people with MS and can feel overwhelming and sudden. Many MyMSTeam members describe it as "hitting a brick wall" or "bone-crushing exhaustion" that doesn't improve with rest like normal tiredness.
Here are strategies that can help manage MS fatigue:
Medication options:
- Talk to your neurologist about medications specifically for MS fatigue
- Some treatments have varying effectiveness, so finding the right one may take time
Lifestyle approaches:
- Keep a fatigue journal for 2 weeks to track sleep, activities, and fatigue patterns
- Schedule demanding tasks during times when you have the most energy
- Avoid clustering multiple tiring activities together
- Try regular exercise (even gentle movement can help)
- Stay hydrated throughout the day
- Consider vitamin D supplementation if levels are low (discuss with your doctor first)
Important perspective:
Don't feel guilty about needing rest. As one neurologist explained, fatigue is a disease symptom you didn't ask for, and addressing it is smart self-care, not weakness.
Regarding pressure headaches: Migraines and headaches can be side effects of some MS treatments. You should discuss these specifically with your neurologist to determine the cause and appropriate management, as they may need to adjust your treatment plan or prescribe additional medication to address them.
Getting a full fatigue assessment from your healthcare team is crucial, as fatigue often connects with sleep problems, depression, and cognitive issues—each requiring different treatment approaches.
April 1
Join
Your Privacy Choices
