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Updated: Jul 3, 2026
08:16
Utility of Dissociated Intrinsic Hand Muscle Atrophy in the Diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Published on: March 4, 2014
Fatigue in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
1ALS Center of Oregon, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, CR120, Portland, OR 97239, USA. louja@ohsu.edu
Summary
Fatigue significantly impacts amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, with both subjective and physical fatigue evident. While no definitive treatments exist, modafinil and palliative care may offer relief.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Fatigue is a prevalent and disabling symptom in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
- Both subjective and objective measures indicate increased fatigue in ALS patients.
- The origins of physical fatigue in ALS can be central or peripheral.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of fatigue in ALS.
- To explore potential pharmacologic and palliative treatments for ALS-related fatigue.
Main Methods:
- Review of questionnaire studies assessing subjective fatigue.
- Analysis of physiologic studies evaluating physical fatigue.
- Examination of evidence-based medicine for treatment efficacy.
Main Results:
- ALS patients report significantly higher subjective fatigue.
- Physiologic studies confirm increased central and peripheral physical fatigue in ALS.
- No treatment is currently proven effective through evidence-based medicine.
Conclusions:
- Modafinil (Provigil) shows potential as a pharmacologic intervention for ALS fatigue.
- Palliative care strategies, including noninvasive ventilation and high-frequency chest wall oscillation, may alleviate fatigue.
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