American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

Which medication is often used to treat fatigue in multiple sclerosis?

1. Amantadine

2. Modafinil

3. Corticosteroids

4. Natalizumab

The correct answer is: Modafinil

The medication that is often used to treat fatigue in multiple sclerosis is modafinil. Fatigue is a common and debilitating symptom in individuals with multiple sclerosis, significantly affecting their quality of life. Modafinil, a wakefulness-promoting agent, is primarily used to treat narcolepsy and other sleep disorders but has gained recognition for its ability to alleviate fatigue associated with multiple sclerosis. Studies have shown modafinil to be effective in improving fatigue levels, likely due to its actions on the central nervous system. It enhances alertness and cognitive function, which can be particularly beneficial for patients experiencing MS-related fatigue. While amantadine has also been explored for use in MS-related fatigue, modafinil has a more established role and evidence supporting its efficacy in this specific context. Corticosteroids are typically used for managing acute exacerbations rather than chronic symptoms like fatigue, and natalizumab is a disease-modifying therapy aimed at reducing the frequency of relapses and progression of the disease rather than directly treating symptoms such as fatigue.