An Overview of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a health condition of severe fatigue or tiredness, which isn't relieved by rest. Definite causes of chronic fatigue syndrome are not known. Studies have shown that CFS can result from inflammation of the nervous system; they inflammation may be from some type of autoimmune response. Other factors which may be attributed to the causation of the disorder are age, stress, prior illnesses, genetics and environment.

What causes chronic fatigue syndrome?

To diagnose chronic fatigue syndrome the doctor will need to rule out other possible causes for the fatigue such as:

Autoimmune disorders

Drug dependence

Endocrine diseases (like hypothyroidism)

Infections

Nerve diseases (like multiple sclerosis)

Kidney disease

Heart disease

Liver disease

Depression and other psychological illnesses

Tumors

What are the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome?

The symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome include:

Difficulty concentrating

Fatigue

Feeling tired even after sleeping an ample amount of time

Headaches

Joint pain

Lymph node tenderness in the armpit or neck

Low grade fever

Muscle aches (myalgia)

Muscle weakness

Sore throat

How is chronic fatigue syndrome diagnosed?

There are no definite tests to confirm a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome; though, people with CFS may test positive for certain blood tests and scans. An MRI of the brain might show brain swelling or destruction to the nerve cells. Blood tests may show a high level of white blood cells (WBCs). Many tests are done to rule out any other possible disease process that could be causing the symptoms of CFS.

How is chronic fatigue syndrome treated?

There is no specific treatment available for chronic fatigue syndrome; treatment is geared toward relieving the symptoms. Many people who have chronic fatigue syndrome suffer from depression and other psychological problems. Treating the depression oftentimes helps to relieve some of the symptoms of CFS. Many patients are treated with low doses of antidepressant medications.

Other treatments include:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Regular exercise

Healthy diet

Medication

Relaxation techniques

Sleep management techniques

The medications used to treat chronic fatigue syndrome are those to reduce fever, discomfort and pain. Anti-anxiety medications will treat nervousness. Antidepressants will treat the feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.

It is important to follow the advice of your health care practitioner. Staying active, even when you don't feel like it, is important for relieving the symptoms. However, you should only maintain the activity level you can manage each day. In other words, don't try to exercise so much that you cause injury or increase your level of pain. Just try to manage some type of physical activity every day. People suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome should be encouraged to continue to have active social lives.

Your activity level should include:

Balance your time between sleep, activity and rest

Break big tasks into smaller ones and do them in parts

Spread out your more demanding tasks throughout the week

Avoid doing too much when you are extremely tired

Make time for stress relieving activities

Some of the relaxation techniques include:

Biofeedback

Deep breathing exercises

Hypnosis

Massage therapy

Muscle relaxation techniques

Meditation

Yoga

Are there any possible complications of chronic fatigue syndrome?

Complications of chronic fatigue syndrome are likely to be related to being socially separated from other people. There is a lot of emotional pain and frustration when you have symptoms, but you don't have a diagnosis. You may feel even more depressed when a doctor has not recognized your symptoms as chronic fatigue syndrome. The pain and depression can severely restrict individuals when they are not being treated for their symptoms. There is also a possibility that you may have adverse reactions, or side effects from medications being used to treat the disorder. Much of the depression of CFS comes from the social separation caused by the endless fatigue.

Sources:

Mayoclinic.com

Medlineplus.com