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Definition

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is characterized by chronic, debilitating fatigue that lasts at least six months. The fatigue is not relieved by bed rest and is often made worse by physical or mental activity. It is accompanied by symptoms that are severe enough to impair or interfere with daily activities. People who have CFS perform at a significantly lower level compared to their activity prior to the onset of the illness.

Causes

The cause of CFS is unknown. To discover possible triggers, researchers are studying the relationship between stress, the immune system, toxins, the central nervous system, and activation of latent virus.

Central Nervous System and Organs Including Endocrine Glands

CNS and Endocrine
© 2009 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.

Risk Factors

Data has shown that the following factors seem to be associated with the development of CFS.

  • Sex: female
  • Age: 40-59 years old. But, people of all ages can develop CFS.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. They include:

  • Unexplained, new onset, persistent fatigue that is not relieved with bed rest and often worsens with physical or mental activity
  • Muscle aches over six months
  • Joint pain without swelling or redness over six months
  • Headaches over six months
  • Trouble with short-term memory or concentration
  • Forgetfulness or confusion
  • Irritability, anxiety]]> , panic attacks, mood swings, or ]]>depression]]>
  • ]]>Sore throat]]> over six months
  • Tender lymph nodes over six months
  • Trouble sleeping or not feeling refreshed after sleep over six months
  • Prolonged fatigue lasting 24 hours or more after exercise
  • Visual disturbances: eyes sensitive to light, blurring, pain
  • Reduced activities (social, job-related, educational, and personal)
  • Dizziness, balance problems, or fainting
  • Brain fog
  • Chills and night sweats
  • Allergies or sensitivities to ]]>foods]]> , chemicals, odors, medications, or noise
  • ]]>Irritable bowel]]>

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Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and medications and will perform a physical exam. There are no specific diagnostic tests for CFS, but the doctor will perform several tests to rule out other conditions that can have similar symptoms.

The doctor will look for the following signs to determine if you have CFS:

  • Severe, chronic fatigue for at least six months that is not due to another illness or medical cause, along with:
    • At least four of the following symptoms according to the International Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Study Group Criteria:
      • Impairment of short-term memory or concentration
      • Sore throat
      • Tender lymph nodes
      • Muscle pain
      • Joint pain without swelling or redness
      • Headaches of a new type, severity, or pattern
      • Unrefreshing sleep
      • Prolonged fatigue lasting 24 hours or more after exercise

Treatment

The main goal of CFS treatment is to achieve symptom relief.

Treatments for CFS include:

Physical Activity

CFS patients should avoid overexertion and physical and emotional stress. Moderate exercise that is monitored by a doctor or physical therapist may improve symptoms. Light exercise and stretching four hours before bedtime may help with sleep.

Physical Therapies

Diet and Nutrition

A well-balanced diet can help prevent nutritional deficiencies and weight fluctuations. Nutritional supplements cannot make up for an inadequate diet. Avoid foods that you may be sensitive to.

Counseling

CFS can be mentally and physically debilitating. ]]>Depression]]> is common among people with CFS. In fact, as many as half develop depression as a consequence of CFS. Psychotherapy and supportive counseling often help CFS patients cope with the disorder. Relaxation training, ]]>stress management]]> , and sleep hygiene counseling may also help.

]]>Cognitive behavioral therapy]]> , activity pacing, and envelope theory can help you to learn how to moderate activity and spread it evenly throughout the day, without overexerting yourself.

Medications

Medications used to treat specific symptoms of CFS include:

  • Antidepressants—to help improve sleep and relieve depression
  • Anti-anxiety drugs—to treat panic disorders
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)—to treat pain and fever (eg, ]]>acetaminophen]]> [eg, Tylenol], ]]>aspirin]]> [eg, Bayer])
  • Stimulants—mild ones may be helpful, but strong stimulants may cause the “push-crash cycle” and lead to relapse
  • Sedatives—to help with ]]>insomnia]]>

Experimental Treatments

The following experimental treatments are sometimes used for CFS, but have not been proven to be effective. Talk to your doctor before trying any experimental treatments.

Prevention

There are no guidelines for preventing CFS because the cause is unknown.