Researchers have been exploring to the depths of science possible for the last 25 years trying to find out what causes and how to treat chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). While many discoveries have led to identification of body-wide effects of CFS beyond fatigue, there is still no known cause or method of treatment for CFS as a whole.
Treatment of CFS Symptoms
Continuing research has revealed an increase in immune system activity, particularly with abnormally functioning white blood cells. MRI scans have found small (fraction of an inch) abnormalities just below the cerebral cortex, while clinical tests reveal abnormalities in the neuroendocrine systems in the brain (McCleary/Vernon).
As these results are corroborated, perhaps more effective treatments to deal with the heart of the matter will be developed.
For the moment, treatment continues to focus on alleviating the symptoms of CFS, and enabling patients to lead productive and normal lives. Since the severity and onset of symptoms varies from patient to patient, what dosage or medication works for one patient may not for another. Such medications may include: anti-inflammatories for arthritic and myalgic symptoms; sleeping pills to aid with getting good sleep; anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications.
One medication, a powerful anti-viral drug called Valcyte, has had unexpected success against patients with CFS treated at Stanford Medical School. Valcyte is normally prescribed for patients with Herpes Virus 6 (HHV-6), Epstein Barr virus (cause of mononucleosis), and other viruses. The successful response of patients to this medication has prompted many to assume that CFS is caused by a virus, but this has yet to be confirmed through medical research. While there are no immediate dangerous side effects, “Valcyte is a drug with potential toxicity. The body converts Valcyte into Ganciclovir, a well established but potentially toxic anti-viral medicine…It does not have an FDA indication for HHV-6 or as a treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome.
“Potential side effects of Valcyte/Ganciclovir include suppression of white blood cells, red blood cells and/or platelets. Low white blood cells increases the risk for infection; red blood cells causes anemia; low platelets increase risk for bleeding” (www.drpodell.org). Patients who opt for this medication (which has less toxic side effects than chemotherapy and radiation therapy often engaged in for cancer treatment) much have weekly blood tests to monitor any potential changes in white or red blood cells, and platelets.
Available Alternative Treatment Choices
As with many conditions, nowadays, drugs and medications aren’t the only way to reduce the impact of or keep the onset of symptoms at bay.
Many treatment regimes include preventative measures: adjustment of lifestyle to avoid overly stressful situations; avoiding certain foods or making sure certain foods are included in the diet; small amounts of exercise, then gradually increasing exertion.
Alternative treatments for CFS include:
- massage
- acupuncture
- herbal products
- dietary supplements
- herbal remedies, such as astragalus, borage seed oil, bromelain, comfrey, Echinacea, garlic, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, primrose oil, quercetin, St. John’s Wort, and shiitake mushroom extract (http://bodyandhealth.canada.com)
The Myths about CFS
Part of a CFS patient’s struggle is against the misconceptions of chronic fatigue syndrome. We’ve tackled the common concept that fatigue just means a person is tired and needs to get more rest.
CFS is not a psychiatric disorder and it is not a form of depression.
As we saw earlier with the success of an anti-viral medication, some people have speculated that CFS is caused by a virus, though scientists have yet to be able to confirm this.
Even though researchers and scientists keep working, it is still completely unclear what exactly causes CFS and where to begin treating the over all condition. However, with today’s medications and alternative treatments, and adherence to lifestyle changes, many patients can carry on relatively normal lives.
Sources: http://bodyandhealth.canada.com; www.drpodell.org; www.cfids.org; “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome” by K. Kimberly McCleary and Suzanne D. Vernon, PhD, The Pain Practitioner, American Academy of Pain Management, Vol. 20, No. 1, Spring 2010, Pgs 14-17, accessed through www.cfids.org; www.cfids-cab.org/MESA (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Society of America); “Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Clinical Case Definition and Guidelines for Medical Practitioners (an Overview of the Canadian Consensus Document)” by Bruce M. Carruthers and Marjorie I. van de Sande accessed through www.cfids-cab.org; www.dictionary.com