Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complex illness known by at least six months of extreme fatigue that is not relieved by rest (even after sleep) and a group of other symptoms that also are constant for at least six month and is not normally explained by another underlying medical condition.
This condition is also referred as Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and/or systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID).
Diagnosis test
Routine diagnostic tests are recommended for all patients with suspected ME/CFS:
Complete blood count with differential
Rheumatoid factor
Comprehensive metabolic panel
Four-point salivary cortisol (i.e. upon waking, at noon, at 4:00 PM, and at bedtime)
Morning cortisol
Antinuclear antibody
Thyroid-stimulating hormone, free thyroxine
C-reactive protein
Vitamin B12
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
25-dihydroxy vitamin D
Ferritin
Urinalysis
Cause
Abnormalities in the brain, particularly in the hypothalamus (a part of the brain that regulates hormones and vital functions) and the pituitary gland.
Abnormalities in the part of the nervous system called the autonomic nervous system, which controls blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature and other vital body functions.
Defects in the ability of cells in their bodies to make energy. Some studies indicate that certain genes are built differently, and that the activity of genes in white blood cells is different.
Headache which is on and off or a constant headache longer than 24 hours?
Feeling of not having a good night sleep/Unrefreshing sleep?
‘Brain fog’?
Short-term memory or concentration problems (These include losing one’s train of thought, forgetting what you were doing, or being unable to remember things you have heard or read)?
Word use and recall problems (this can include difficulty finding the right word or remembering the names of things or people. one might also have impaired speech)?
Impaired math and number ability (one may have a hard time calculating numbers or remembering number sequences or dates, for example)?
Spatial disorientation (this may involve becoming lost easily or not remembering how to get somewhere familiar)?
Difficulty multitasking not previously experienced?
Extreme exhaustion and/or impaired concentration or short-term memory lasting more than 24 hours after physical or mental exercise and/or severe enough to affect routine activities at home, work, school or social functions?
Unrefreshed sleep?
Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:
Treatments
Recommended non-pharmacologic approaches to conserve energy and to minimise post exertional malaise (tiredness) include:
Pacing of physical and cognitive activity (meditation and relaxation exercises)
Use of assistive devices, such as motorised scooters, handicap parking stickers, and shower chairs to conserve energy
Use of home health aides for those who are more severely ill
Use of ear plugs, eye masks, and perfume-free environments to decrease sensory stimulation
Light therapy and/or blue light filters
School or work accommodations, such as flexible hours and shortened days
Medscape
This condition may show similar symptoms to (though it can vary from one person to another):
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
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