Cfl

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Persistent fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive difficulties
Complications	Depression, social isolation
Onset	Gradual
Duration	Long-term
Types	N/A
Causes	Unknown
Risks	Female gender, middle age
Diagnosis	Clinical evaluation, exclusion of other conditions
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Symptomatic management, cognitive behavioral therapy
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Variable
Frequency	0.2-2% of the population
Deaths	N/A

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), is a complex, long-term illness characterized by extreme fatigue that cannot be explained by any underlying medical condition. The fatigue worsens with physical or mental activity but does not improve with rest.

Signs and Symptoms

The primary symptom of CFS is severe fatigue that lasts for at least six months and is not alleviated by rest. Other common symptoms include:

• Sleep disturbances, such as unrefreshing sleep
• Cognitive difficulties, often referred to as "brain fog"
• Muscle pain and joint pain without swelling or redness
• Headaches of a new type, pattern, or severity
• Sore throat and tender lymph nodes
• Post-exertional malaise, where symptoms worsen after physical or mental exertion

Causes

The exact cause of CFS is unknown, but several factors may contribute to its development:

• Viral infections: Some people develop CFS after a viral infection, such as Epstein-Barr virus or human herpesvirus 6.
• Immune system problems: CFS may be linked to a weakened or dysfunctional immune system.
• Hormonal imbalances: Abnormal levels of hormones produced in the hypothalamus, pituitary glands, or adrenal glands have been observed in some CFS patients.
• Genetic predisposition: CFS may have a genetic component, as it sometimes runs in families.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing CFS can be challenging due to the lack of specific tests. Diagnosis is primarily based on ruling out other conditions that cause similar symptoms. The following criteria are often used:

• Persistent fatigue for at least six months
• Exclusion of other medical conditions
• Presence of at least four other symptoms, such as cognitive difficulties and sleep disturbances

Treatment

There is no cure for CFS, and treatment focuses on symptom management. Common approaches include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life
• Graded exercise therapy (GET) to gradually increase physical activity
• Medications to manage pain, sleep disturbances, and other symptoms
• Lifestyle changes, such as stress management and dietary adjustments

Prognosis

The prognosis for CFS varies. Some individuals experience significant improvement over time, while others may have persistent symptoms. Early diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan can improve outcomes.

Epidemiology

CFS affects approximately 0.2-2% of the population, with a higher prevalence in women than men. It is most commonly diagnosed in middle-aged individuals.

See Also

• Fibromyalgia
• Multiple sclerosis
• Depression

External Links

• [CDC Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Information](https://www.cdc.gov/cfs/)
• [Mayo Clinic Chronic Fatigue Syndrome](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-fatigue-syndrome)