Chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID), is a complex, long-term illness that affects many body systems. Pronounced as /ˈkrɒnɪk fəˈtiːg ˈsɪndroʊm/, the term originates from the Greek words "chronos" meaning time, "myalgia" referring to muscle pain, "encephalomyelitis" meaning inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, and "syndrome" denoting a group of symptoms.

People with CFS experience symptoms that make it hard to carry out everyday activities. The most notable symptom is a state of constant fatigue that is not improved by rest and is not directly caused by other medical conditions. This fatigue can be severe enough to interfere with daily activities and is often worsened by physical or mental activity.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of CFS is persistent and unexplained fatigue, which is not relieved by rest and is severe enough to reduce daily activity levels by 50% or more. Other symptoms may include:

• Sleep disorders
• Muscle pain
• Headaches
• Joint pain without swelling or redness
• Sore throat
• Tender lymph nodes
• Cognitive difficulties
• Post-exertional malaise (PEM), where symptoms worsen after physical or mental exertion

Causes

The exact cause of CFS is unknown, but it may be related to a combination of factors. Some potential causes and risk factors include:

• Viral infections
• Immune system problems
• Hormonal imbalances
• Stress

Diagnosis

Diagnosing CFS can be complicated by a number of factors, including the lack of a specific diagnostic test, the many illnesses that have similar symptoms, and the fluctuating nature of the symptoms. Diagnosis is typically based on a thorough medical history, physical examination, and ruling out other potential causes of the symptoms.

Treatment

There is currently no cure for CFS, but treatment can help to manage symptoms. Treatment options may include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Graded exercise therapy (GET)
• Medication to control pain, nausea, and sleeping problems
• Pacing, which involves balancing periods of activity with periods of rest

See also

• Fibromyalgia
• Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)
• Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS)

References

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Wikipedia's article - Chronic fatigue syndrome

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