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Updated: May 24, 2026
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A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data
Published on: December 9, 2015
Symptom clusters in women with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
Pamela K Newland1, Arleen Fearing, Marguerite Riley
1School of Nursing, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL, USA. pnewlan@siue.edu
Summary
This study found a symptom cluster including pain, fatigue, depression, sleep disturbance, and cognitive issues in women with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Employment status was linked to this symptom cluster.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Clinical Psychology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease impacting quality of life.
- Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) is the most common form, characterized by distinct attacks and remissions.
- Symptoms like fatigue, depression, cognitive impairment, and sleep disturbances significantly affect RRMS patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the interrelationships between key symptoms (pain, fatigue, depression, cognitive function, sleep disturbance) in women with RRMS.
- To explore correlations between these symptoms and pain severity.
- To investigate the association between symptom clusters and demographic variables, including employment status.
Main Methods:
- Secondary analysis of data from 40 women diagnosed with RRMS.
- Utilized validated instruments to measure pain, fatigue, depression, and sleep disturbance.
- Employed an objective measure for cognitive function assessment.
Main Results:
- Identified a significant symptom cluster encompassing pain, fatigue, depression, sleep disturbance, and impaired cognitive function.
- Pain severity showed positive correlations with fatigue, sleep disturbance, depression, and cognitive impairment.
- A notable relationship was found between the identified symptom cluster and employment status.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest a cohesive symptom cluster experienced by women with RRMS.
- Pain severity is strongly associated with other debilitating symptoms in this population.
- Education on symptom management for women with RRMS may be beneficial for guiding patient care and potentially impacting employment.
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