Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a chronic, debilitating disorder that affects the brain and multiple parts of the body. It causes extreme fatigue that is not relieved with bed rest and is often made worse by physical or mental activity. Symptoms last at least six months and are severe enough to impair or interfere with daily activities.

Causes

The cause of CFS is unknown. Researchers are studying possible causes including:
  • Epstein-Barr virus (the cause of mononucleosis)
  • Other viral infections
  • Environmental causes

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
  • Sex: female
  • Age: 20-40 years old

Symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. They include:
  • Chronic fatigue that is not relieved with bed rest and often worsens with physical or mental activity
  • General weakness
  • Muscle aches
  • Joint pain without swelling or redness
  • Headaches
  • Trouble with short-term memory or concentration
  • Forgetfulness or confusion
  • Irritability, anxiety, mood swings, or depression
  • Low grade fever, hot flashes, or night sweats
  • Sore throat
  • Tender lymph nodes
  • Trouble sleeping or not feeling refreshed after sleep
  • Prolonged fatigue lasting 24 hours or more after exercise
  • Eyes sensitive to light
  • Allergies
  • Dizziness
  • Chest pain or shortness of breath
  • Nausea

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. There are no specific diagnostic tests for CFS.

The doctor will look for the following signs to determine if you have CFS:
  • Severe, chronic fatigue for at least 6 months that is not due to another illness or medical cause
  • At least four of the following symptoms:
    • Impairment of short-term memory or concentration
    • Sore throat
    • Tender lymph nodes
    • Muscle pain
    • Joint pain without swelling or redness
    • Headaches
    • Unrefreshing sleep
    • Prolonged fatigue lasting 24 hours or more after exercise

Treatment

The goals of CFS treatment are to manage and improve the condition.

Treatments for CFS include:

Physical Activity

CFS patients should avoid overexertion and physical and emotional stress. Moderate exercise that is monitored by a physician or physical therapist may improve symptoms.

Physical Therapies
  • Massage
  • Stretching
  • Tai chi
  • Yoga
Counseling

CFS can be mentally and physically debilitating. Psychotherapy and supportive counseling often helps CFS patients cope with the disorder. Relaxation training and stress management may also help.

Medications

Medications used to treat specific symptoms of CFS include:
  • Anti-depressants – to help improve sleep and relieve depression
  • Anti-anxiety drugs – to treat panic disorders suffered by some CFS patients
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – to treat pain and fever
  • Allergy medicines – to help treat allergy symptoms (Allergies and sinusitis are common in people with CFS.)
Experimental Treatments

The following experimental treatments are used to treat CFS, but have not been proven to be effective. Talk to your doctor before trying any experimental treatments.
  • Experimental drugs
  • Dietary and vitamin supplements
  • Herbal remedies

Prevention

There are no guidelines for preventing CFS because the cause is not known.