Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - An Overview
Chronic fatigue syndrome is characterized by the feeling of extreme and often long-lasting fatigue. CFS,chronic fatigue syndrome, is known also as as myalgic enceophalomyelitis, or simply ME. The name can CFS sometimes confuses people in that fatigue isn’t the only symptom associated. Some patients experience other physical conditions of rheumatoid arthritis and even lupus. We’ve all been fatigued at one point or another from physical exhaustion, sleep depravation or getting over an illness. This type of fatigue usually is relieved by getting some much needed rest and we feel better. In CFS the patient’s fatigue symptoms are often times debilitating and very severe.
Chronic Fatigue by Definition
If the chronic fatigue symptomatology and extreme exhaustion last longer than six months, a CFS diagnosis is considered. An exact cause cannot has not been determined, however many contributing factors play a big role; such as increased stress levels, abnormal hormone levels and systemic infections. Of course, as stated above, lack of sleep, chronic insomnia and other sleep pattern problems may also result in symptoms similar to those of chronic fatigue. Add in poor diet, absence of physical exercise and side effects from medications and you’ve got a chronic fatigue cocktail.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Accordingly, diagnostic protocols for a patient suffering with chronic fatigue for a period greater than six months could have chronic fatigue syndrome. In addition, the patient must have at least 4 of the symptoms listed below:
- Short-term memory or concentration impairment
- Any type of physical exertion followed by prolonged periods of malaise
- Muscle weakness/pain
- Joint pain/redness/swelling
- Severe headaches
- Lymph node area tenderness
- Consistent/recurrent sore throat
- Sleep disturbances or still feeling tired upon waking
The Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Diagnosis
Typically CFS isn’t easy to diagnose because there are no outward physical signs and no real laboratory tests to confirm or deny the presence of anything in particular causing chronic fatigue. A physician will usually make this diagnosis if these symptoms have exceeded a consecutive duration of 6 months or longer and there is no other viable explanation for the symptoms. Other considerations are given to overlying diseases and conditions that exist with CFS having like symptomatology.
Treament and Medications for CFS
While no definitive cure for those suffering from CFS has been found, a number of treatments are available to aid in symptom relief and overall body function improvement. The usual treatment consists of both, pharmaceutical intervention and a non-medication therapeutic regimen. Lifestyle modifications and diet overhaul, as well as the use of vitamin and mineral supplementation are recommended forms of therapy without prescription. Regular exercise is also strongly urged. However, doctors may want to closely monitor the physical activity in the event it may cause worsening symptoms of CFS.
Patients plagued with CFS should write down a list of all symptoms experienced and discuss this with their medical professional. The doctors are unable to effectively treat any ailment unless they are fully aware of all circumstances, symptoms and other medications being taken by the patient.
Published studies from 2005 on patients afflicted with chronic fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome were said to have various improvement rates with some 40% symptom improvement on follow up visits.
Related Entries
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or CFS Is A Debilitating Sleep Disorder
- Coping with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
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