- Neurology
- General medicine
FSS score
Measuring the impact of fatigue
The Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) is a nine-item self-report questionnaire that primarily assesses the impact of fatigue on functioning, rather than just the sensation of being tired. It was developed particularly for multiple sclerosis and lupus, and has since been used in many other clinical situations.
- Number of questions
- 9 items
- Approximate duration
- 2 to 4 minutes
- Population
- Adults, particularly those with multiple sclerosis or lupus
- Modality
- self-administered questionnaire
Terms of contract
Self-administered questionnaire completed by the patient, indicating their level of agreement with each of the nine statements based on the past week. Distinguish fatigue from sleepiness, which is assessed using other tools. The mean score is only calculated if the completeness rules for the chosen version are met; use the version authorised by the copyright holder.
Score interpretationFSS
Average of the nine responses rated from 1 to 7; result from 1 to 7.
Total score
First reading
A threshold of around 4 is frequently used to indicate significant fatigue, without constituting a universal diagnosis. Convention adopted for this sheet: average from 1 to 7; average ≥ 4 as a frequently used benchmark. Do not confuse this convention with the 9–63 sum in a patient history.
Fatigue is common across many diseases and contexts. The FSS cannot identify its cause.
Frequently asked questions
Sources and references
Dr. Lauren Krupp
Krupp LB et al., Arch Neurol, 1989
Questionnaires and associated scores
Integrate questionnaires into your practice
One-off collection or questionnaire integrated into a journey: let's discuss your needs with Aldebaran.