Weakness and Fatigue

Preparing For Your Appointment

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment

You can help your health professional diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:

• What is your major symptom, weakness or fatigue?
• Have you had these symptoms before? If so:
  • Did you see a health professional for an evaluation of your symptoms?
  • What was the diagnosis?
  • How were your symptoms treated?
• What other symptoms do you have that may be related to your major symptom?
• How long have you had your symptoms? Describe what was happening when you first noticed your symptoms.
• What makes your symptoms better or worse?
• What home treatment have you tried?
• Are you experiencing any particular stress at home, work, or school that could be causing your weakness or fatigue?
• Are you using any alcohol or other drugs, such as caffeine or nicotine, that may be causing fatigue?
• What medicines have you used, both prescription and non-prescription?
• Do you have any health risks?

While you are waiting for your appointment, it may be helpful to keep a diary of your symptoms(What is a PDF document?).

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: April 17, 2007
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology
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