Fatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy. Fatigue can be a normal and important response to physical activity, emotional stress, boredom, or lack of sleep. Fatigue is a common symptom, and it is usually not due to a serious disease. But it can be a sign of a more serious mental or physical condition. When fatigue is not relieved by enough sleep, good nutrition, or a low-stress environment, it should be evaluated by your doctor.

Resource: MedlinePlus

Multiple sclerosis (MS) involves an immune-mediated process in which an abnormal response of the body’s immune system is directed against the central nervous system (CNS), which is made up of the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. The exact antigen — or target that the immune cells are sensitized to attack — remains unknown, which is why MS is considered by many experts to be "immune-mediated" rather than "autoimmune."

Resource: The National Multiple sclerosis Society

The muscular dystrophy (MD) are a group of more than 30 genetic diseases characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of the skeletal muscles that control movement. Some forms of MD are seen in infancy or childhood, while others may not appear until middle age or later. The disorders differ in terms of the distribution and extent of muscle weakness (some forms of MD also affect cardiac muscle), age of onset, rate of progression, and pattern of inheritance.

Resources:

• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
• Muscular Dystrophy Association

Spina Bifida literally means “split spine.” Spina Bifida happens when a baby is in the womb and the spinal column does not close all of the way.

Resource: Spina Bifida Association

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic disease that affects the motor neuron cells in the spinal cord, impacting the ability to walk, eat, or breathe. It is the number one genetic cause of death for infants

Resources:

• Cure SMA

Everyone occasionally feels blue or sad. But these feelings are usually short-lived and pass within a couple of days. When you have depression, it interferes with daily life and causes pain for both you and those who care about you. Depression is a common but serious illness. People with depressive illnesses do not all experience the same symptoms. The severity, frequency, and duration of symptoms vary depending on the individual and his or her particular illness.

Signs and symptoms include:

• Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings
• Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
• Irritability, restlessness
• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
• Fatigue and decreased energy
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
• Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
• Overeating, or appetite loss
• Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
• Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment

Resources:

• National Institute of Mental Health

Energy Expenditure of Amputees

What is pain? The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) defines it as: An unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage or described in terms of such damage. The IASP definition means that pain is a subjective experience; one that cannot be objectively measured and depends on the person’s self-report. There can be a wide variability in how a person experiences pain to a given stimulus or injury. Pain can be classified as acute or chronic, and the two kinds differ greatly.

Resource: Pain: Hope Through Research from National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Depression and Cerebral Palsy

Depression

Relaxation therapy is a behavioral therapy used to relieve psychological stress and fatigue. It can be guided by a therapist or trainer or done alone.

A variety of methods are used in relaxation therapy, and it is often combined with other practices including guided imagery and biofeedback. Relaxation can be achieved using methods including imagery, breathing exercises, focused muscle tensing and relaxing, and others.

Resources:

• 10 Relaxation Techniques That Zap Stress Fast
• Relaxation techniques: Try these steps to reduce stress