What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)?

The symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS / ME ) are similar to those of other diseases and it is important to consult a general practitioner for a correct diagnosis. Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) is considered inaccurate by experts due to a lack of laboratory imaging studies on encephalopathy and because myalgia is not a core symptom of CFS. The National Academy of Medicine and the Institute of Medicine have proposed that CFS, also known as Systemic Stress Intolerance Disease (SEID) reflects the conditions characteristic of symptom, post-stress malaise.

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME or ME / CFS ) is a complicated, tiring, long-term condition that is diagnosed by requiring primary symptom criteria with a wide range of symptoms. The distinctive core symptoms are prolonged exacerbation and outbreaks of CFS, ordinary or minor physical and mental activity (also known as post-traumatic stress disorder), reduced ability to perform tasks that were routine before the disease, and sleep disorders. Other common symptoms affect many bodily systems, and chronic pain is also common.


People with chronic fatigue syndrome may also have abnormal levels of hormones in the blood produced by the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal gland. The causes are not well known, but the proposed mechanisms include biological, genetic, infectious, physical, and psychological stress that affects the biochemistry of the body. The immune system of people with the syndrome appears to be compromised, but it is unclear whether this impairment is sufficient to trigger the disease.

Severe, noticeable tiredness that comes and goes, never stops, does not improve with bed rest, and gets worse with physical and mental activity. Unexplained, profound fatigue that worsens after exertion, accompanied by cognitive dysfunction and daily impairment lasting longer than 6 months. British clinicians sometimes refer to CFS as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), noting that the skeletal (muscular) component manifests as chronic fatigue, while the encephalic component manifests as cognitive difficulties.

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a long-term condition with a broad range of symptoms. It is characterized by debilitating fatigue associated with myalgia, tender lymph nodes, arthralgia, chills, fever, and post-operative discomfort. CFS is more common in women and tends to develop in the mid-20s to mid-40s. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a condition characterized by extreme fatigue or fatigue that does not disappear with rest and can’t be explained by an underlying disease. It is sometimes referred to as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or systemic stress intolerance disorder (SEID). Symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome ME The main symptom of CFS is fatigue and discomfort.

Although no single cause has been identified and many other diseases cause similar symptoms, CFS is difficult to diagnose. The frequency of neuropsychiatric and neuropsychological symptoms in the population of people with CFS is increasing, but the understanding of why this occurs is still unresolved. Theories include viral infections, psychological stress, or a combination of these factors.

Experts do not know the exact cause of ME but many people feel symptoms of CFS after contracting a viral infection or another type of infection after surgery, physical trauma, or changes in hormone status. Symptoms include severe fatigue, sensitivity to light, headaches, muscle and joint pain, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, and depression. If severe chronic fatigue persists for more than 6 months, other diseases can be ruled out. For many people, the symptoms of ME / CFS are similar to those of other diseases such as flu. In addition to tingling and numbness in the feet, hands, and face, many people with ME symptoms get worse after physical activity or strenuous mental exertion.

Exercise can be a problem for some people as physical activity can worsen their symptoms. It is important that people with ME / CFS work with their doctor to create a weekly routine in which they focus on doing as much activity as possible without worsening the symptoms in the next days and weeks. A person with CFS should never be persuaded to exceed their limits, as this can be dangerous and cause a long-term relapse. Medical opinion is divided over whether people with this condition should exercise or not, but strong aerobic exercise can be helpful in many chronic diseases, but some people with CFS do not tolerate a traditional exercise routine because of post-traumatic stress disorder or need to learn to accelerate their activity.

People with ME / CFS often find that the activities they take for granted can take a huge toll on their health. In many cases, doctors refer people suspected of presenting ME or CFS to other specialists to rule out other diseases that can cause symptoms. The doctor will make a diagnosis that excludes other diseases if the person has had symptoms for at least six months.

Treatment objectives include managing symptoms and restoring high quality of life. Working with a doctor can develop a program that offers greater benefits and helps reduce frustration with the disorder.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for diagnosing chronic fatigue syndrome stipulate that the patient with severe fatigue for at least six consecutive months has definable organic disease experiences and associated physical symptoms. Exclusion criteria include known diseases known to cause fatigue as well as diagnoses of mental illnesses (e.g. schizophrenia, mania, depression, eating disorders, and substance abuse) and known organic brain pathologies. Fatigue is a common symptom of many disease-wide differential diagnoses that must be excluded. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that in the United States there are 836,000 to 2.5 million people with ME / CFS, most of whom have no diagnosis.

Many people with CFS do not look sick enough for doctors not to be able to recognize them as a health condition. In order to get a CFS diagnosis, your doctor must first rule out other possible causes and check your medical history in order to get you there.

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