Chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome, or CFS, leads to intense fatigue and tiredness. Even after a good night of peaceful sleep, the individual does not feel less weak and tired. Physical or mental activity may even make this tiredness worse.

Symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome include muscle pain, weakness, slow memory, amnesia, difficulty concentrating, and insomnia (cannot fall asleep). These symptoms affect many different body parts and systems. Normally, the individual with CFS feels so debilitated that they must cut back on daily activities. They seem to function at a lower level than others because of their tiredness.

Scientists have been unable to determine what causes chronic fatigue syndrome, but it is possible that it has various triggers. These include infections, immune dysfunction, nutritional deficiency, stress, and extremely low blood pressure that causes fainting. There are no tests to diagnose CFS. A diagnosis of CFS is made after evaluation by a medical professional. However, since many other disorders also have fatigue as a symptom, they must rule out other conditions first.

There is no cure for chronic fatigue syndrome, thus disease management is the only solution for this illness. Individuals with CFS should monitor their symptoms and let their medical professional know if their symptoms change over time. Therefore, if needed, the professional can change the individualized healthcare plan and create a new strategy to manage symptoms. If you or a family member has been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, talk with your doctor about the most current treatment options. Support groups are also good resources of support and information.
Description Last Updated: Feb 12, 2018