Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

CFS or chronic fatigue syndrome is also referred to as CFIDS or chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome. It is a chronic disorder featured by many enervating conditions that comprise of severe fatigue. The other symptoms comprise of weakness, insomnia, impaired concentration or memory, pain in muscles, fatigue and exertion which lasts for over 24 hours. The causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are not known & there isn’t any specific investigation for diagnosing this condition. It is investigated through exclusion method i.e. ruling out any other illness having similar symptoms.

How is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Diagnosed?

CFS is tough to define. Diagnosis of it is made if the patient has met at least 2 criteria as mentioned below:

Criteria 1– In order to diagnose with CFS, patients must have chronic & severe fatigue lasting for at least 6 months and the other medical conditions which could result in fatigue, must be omitted. The fatigue must remarkably interfere with daily activities.

Criteria 2– Additionally, the patient must have at least 4 of the below-given symptoms for being diagnosed with CFS:

• Impairment in concentration or short-term memory
• Tender lymph nodes
• A sore throat
• Pain in muscles
• Headaches of new kind, severity or pattern
• Pain in joints with no redness or swelling
• The post-exertional malaise that lasts over 24 hours
• Unrefreshing sleep

Similar medical conditions to are Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Fatigue is a symptom which is often linked to several other medical conditions. Prior to diagnosing CFS doctors often rule out the below:

• Fibromyalgia syndrome
• Neurasthenia
• ME or myalgic encephalomyelitis
• Chronic mononucleosis
• Multiple chemical sensitivities

Other conditions which lead to similar symptoms like is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

There exist several other ailments which can be treated and require to be ruled out for arriving at a diagnosis of CFS. It is also possible to have other conditions & also have a chronic fatigue syndrome; if the conditions get treated & patient yet has a chronic fatigue then CFS could be considered as a diagnosis. Conditions which are treatable that could have similar symptoms include:-

• Hypothyroidism
• Major depressive disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorders
• Narcolepsy or sleep apnea
• Cancer
• Eating disorders
• Autoimmune disease
• Subacute infections
• Hormonal disorders
• Obesity
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Subs abuse or alcohol
• Reaction to medicines