Definition | Causes | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Prevention

Definition

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a condition that causes chronic, debilitating fatigue. It continues for at least six months. The fatigue is not relieved by bed rest. 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. Some believe there may be a link between CFS and stress, the immune system, toxins, the central nervous system, or activation of latent virus.

Central Nervous System and Organs Including Endocrine Glands

CNS and Endocrine
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Risk Factors

Women are more likely to have CFS than men. It is also more common in people between 25-55 years of age.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. They include:

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. There are no specific diagnostic tests for CFS. Your doctor may do several other 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:

If you have CFS, avoid overexertion and physical and emotional stress. Balancing your activities throughout the day may help you to not overexert yourself. Moderate exercise that is monitored by a doctor or physical therapist may improve symptoms. Slowly increase the duration and intensity of exercise. Light exercise and stretching four hours before bedtime may help with sleep.

In addition, your doctor may have you work with a physical therapist. Some therapies that might be helpful for you include:

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

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. Learning relaxation training and stress management techniques, as well as changing your sleep routine, may also help.

Medications used to treat specific symptoms of CFS include:

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.