Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disabling disorder that is marked by severe fatigue and doesn't improve with bed rest or exercise. The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is unknown and the symptoms can last for years. Anyone can get this disease, but it is most common in women in their forties and fifties. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) symptoms that are more common include fatigue; loss or memory or concentration; sore throat; painful and enlarged lymph nodes; muscle pain; pain that moves from one joint to another, accompanied by swelling and redness; headaches; unrefreshing sleep; and exhaustion after physical and mental exercise. There are other symptoms that can occur as shown on the Mayo Clinic site and in the accompanying video. This site provides you with an overview of what chronic fatigue is, treatment possibilities, links to current research and a video interview of two women who have this debilitating condition.

Recent findings indicated that there may be a possibility of a retrovirus infection associated with the occurrence of CFS. However, follow-up tests for the presence of retrovirus DNA did not confirm that finding. http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/newsandeventspggrp/imperialcollege/newssummary/news_6-1-2010-15-34-39 Researchers do confirm that CFS can be triggered by other agents such as Epstein Barr Virus and Giardia parasites.

A doctor's goal is to relieve the signs and symptoms by using a combination of treatments to provide relief. Antidepressants may be recommended. Graded exercise programs and cognitive behavioral therapy are sometimes used. http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/lifestyle_psychotherapeutic_treatments_chronic_fatigue_syndrome__000007_6.htm A doctor may suggest is moderating daily activity, eating a healthy diet and getting adequate sleep.

Dr. Teitelbaum's programs (see the featured video) at the Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Centers involve natural remedies so you can get adequate sleep, medications for hormonal problems, treatments for infections and nutritional support.http://www.endfatigue.com/treatment_options/Steps_to_getting_well.html Once there is a recovery of the energy in your body, a gradual but steady exercise program will be recommended. Other treatments include cognitive-behavioral therapy, treatment for depression, treatment for any existing pain and treating any allergy symptoms.

A great deal of debate has surrounded the issue of how best to define CFS. In an effort to resolve these issues, an international panel of CFS research experts convened in 1994 to draft a definition of CFS that would be useful both to researchers studying the illness and to clinicians diagnosing it. In essence, in order to receive a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome, a patient must satisfy two criteria:

• Have severe chronic fatigue of six months or longer duration with other known medical conditions excluded by clinical diagnosis; and
• Concurrently have four or more of the following symptoms: substantial impairment in short-term memory or concentration; sore throat; tender lymph nodes; muscle pain; multi-joint pain without swelling or redness; headaches of a new type, pattern or severity; unrefreshing sleep; and post-exertional malaise lasting more than 24 hours.

The symptoms must have persisted or recurred during six or more consecutive months of illness and must not have predated the fatigue. Center for Disease Control and Prevention

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, please consult your doctor.

• Top Ten Things Not to Say to Someone With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• The Link Between Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia and the retrovirus, called XMRV