The term "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome" (CFS) was coined in 1988 following a research study. The symptoms of CFS have been around for many years prior to that study as early as the 1930s. For the past 70 plus years, researchers have been trying to understand this disease and discover its causes. So far the cause has eluded them and we are left with postulated theories.

One of the earliest theories was in 1934 when it was known atypical poliomyelitis and was thought to be a form of polio. In the 1950s it was known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis after an outbreak in London's Royal Free Hospital where the majority of those affected were hospital staff members. It was thought that the cause was a bacterial, viral or protozoan infection.

The most common viruses believed to cause CFS are Herpes Virus 6; Epstein - Barr virus which causes mononucleosis, cytomegalovirus and Coxsackie viruses B1 and B4. While many diagnosed with CFS have been found to have these viruses, they are not consistent throughout every CFS patient.

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is another causal theory. Researchers claim that exposure to a chemical or many chemicals causes a dysfunction in the immune system. However, no research studies have proven this theory to date.

Oxidative stress has been shown in studies to play a role in the development of CFS. Oxidative stress occurs when the body is exposed for an extended period of time to oxidative factors that cause an increase in the free radicals which overload the body's ability to neutralize them. Glutathione, vitamins C, E, and A, zinc and other nutrients help the body to neutralize the free radicals through normal metabolic functioning.

Other theories being explored include an endocrine dysfunction; brain abnormalities; orthostatic intolerance where the blood pressure drops when it should rise. One of the biggest challenges in the search for a cause is lack of a consistent presence or dysfunction in those with CFS.

While much as been discovered about the physiological presentation and clinical course of the disease, the cause remains elusive. Treatments and therapies have been discovered that show promise in helping those who suffer from CFS to gain at least some of their functionality. The prognosis for CFS is mixed as studies show some patient's recover most if not all of the functionality with little or no relapse. Despite the claim that CFS is not fatal, there have been cases in the United Kingdom, United States and Australia where the cause of death was listed as "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome".

There is still much to learn and research is ongoing looking for answers. Several good websites for more information include www.familydoctor.org, www.chronicfatiguesupport.com, www.cdc.gov, and www.CFIDS.org.

Learn more about this author, Valerie Johnson.
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