Fatigue Severity Scale Calculator
Measure the impact of fatigue on your daily life with this validated assessment tool used by healthcare professionals.
Understanding the Fatigue Severity Scale
The Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) is a validated 9-item questionnaire developed to evaluate the impact of fatigue on daily functioning. It's widely used by healthcare professionals to assess fatigue in various medical conditions including Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus, Parkinson's disease, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
About the FSS Assessment
- Development: Created by Dr. Lauren B. Krupp and colleagues in 1989.
- Validation: Extensively validated across multiple patient populations.
- Scoring: Each item is rated on a 7-point scale, with higher scores indicating more severe fatigue impact.
- Interpretation: The mean score across all 9 items provides a comprehensive fatigue severity assessment.
Clinical Applications
Common Uses:
- Screening for fatigue severity
- Monitoring treatment effectiveness
- Comparing fatigue across different conditions
- Research studies on fatigue
- Evaluating disability claims
Associated Conditions:
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Parkinson's Disease
- Sleep disorders
- Post-viral fatigue
How to Use the Calculator:
- Read each statement carefully
- Rate how much you agree with each statement from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree)
- Answer all 9 questions honestly based on your experience over the past week
- Submit your answers to calculate your FSS score
- Review your results and the interpretation
Important Notes
- This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice.
- A high FSS score may indicate the need for further evaluation by a healthcare provider.
- Fatigue can be a symptom of various medical conditions or lifestyle factors.
- Consider tracking your FSS scores over time to monitor changes in your fatigue levels.
- Share your results with your healthcare provider for proper interpretation and guidance.
Managing Fatigue
If you're experiencing significant fatigue, consider these general strategies:
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule
- Practice energy conservation techniques
- Engage in appropriate physical activity as recommended by your healthcare provider
- Consider stress reduction techniques like meditation or yoga
- Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet
- Consult with healthcare professionals for personalized management strategies