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Brain Structural and Functional Alterations in Multiple Sclerosis-Related Fatigue: A Systematic Review
Chiara Barbi1, Francesca Benedetta Pizzini2, Stefano Tamburin1
1Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine, and Movement, University of Verona, 37100 Verona, Italy.
Neurology International
|June 23, 2022
Summary
Multiple sclerosis (MS) fatigue may stem from brain abnormalities. This review found structural and functional changes, particularly in the thalamus and sensorimotor network, in MS patients experiencing fatigue.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Fatigue is a primary disabling symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS), significantly impacting patient quality of life.
- The underlying causes and mechanisms of MS-related fatigue remain complex and debated.
- Understanding brain alterations associated with fatigue is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and describe potential brain structural and functional dysfunctions linked to fatigue in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.
- To identify specific brain regions and networks implicated in MS-related fatigue.
- To synthesize findings from studies comparing brain characteristics of MS patients with and without fatigue.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of published studies was conducted, searching electronic databases up to February 24, 2021.
- Studies comparing structural and functional brain outcomes in MS patients with and without fatigue were included.
- Extracted data on structural brain differences (e.g., atrophy, MRI outcomes) and functional alterations (e.g., brain activation patterns) were tabulated.
Main Results:
- Fifty studies were included, revealing structural and functional brain abnormalities correlating with MS fatigue.
- Structural differences, including brain atrophy and conventional MRI outcomes, were noted, particularly in the thalamus.
- Functional alterations showed abnormal thalamic activation and changes in the sensorimotor network in fatigued MS patients.
- Patients with fatigue exhibited more structural and functional brain alterations compared to those without fatigue.
Conclusions:
- Structural and functional brain abnormalities, especially in the thalamus and sensorimotor network, are associated with fatigue in multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Thalamic atrophy and abnormal activation patterns appear significantly linked to the experience of fatigue in MS patients.
- These findings highlight the thalamus and sensorimotor network as key areas for further research into MS fatigue mechanisms and treatments.
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