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Unfortunately for those who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), the exact cause of this mysterious illness remains unknown. The medical community has come up with many different theories to explain this often-debilitating illness, but no definitive primary cause has been proven.

Some of the possible causes that have been suggested include genetic defects, central nervous system and hormone abnormalities, such as stress hormone deficiencies and disturbed circadian rhythms, as well as immune system abnormalities. Others suspect that a virus or some other infectious agent, such as the Epstein-Barr virus or human herpes virus 6 is to blame. Low blood sugar, chronic low blood pressure, iron deficiency anemia, and a history of allergies are also among the many possible causes that have been suggested. Adding to the growing list are depression, psychological, personality and social factors, as well as chemical and environmental toxins. Many feel that chronic fatigue syndrome it is a combination of two or more of these factors.

However, in many cases of chronic fatigue syndrome, no serious underlying infection or disease can be detected and limited medical knowledge and understanding has made it very difficult to define the characteristics of this mysterious illness.

As the name suggests, persistent fatigue is the primary symptom involved with CFS. Other primary symptoms include unexplained muscle soreness, enlarged lymph nodes, sore throat, headache, joint pain, sleep disturbance, loss of memory and difficulty concentrating. Any significant physical or mental activity may result in severe exhaustion that can last more than twenty-four hours. A long list of secondary symptoms have been reported that are not included in the official definition of the illness, including chills and night sweats, jaw pain, tingling sensations and weight loss or gain.

In order for a person to be diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome they must meet two criteria. Firstly, they must have experienced unexplainable persistent fatigue for six months or longer. Secondly, they must also suffer from at least four of the primary symptoms included in the definition of the illness.

Due in large part to the fact that the medical community cannot determine the exact cause of the illness, chronic fatigue syndrome has been notoriously difficult to treat. There is little that can be done to treat the actual illness, but clinical trials have shown that there are a variety of ways to treat the symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Cases of chronic fatigue syndrome vary from one person to the next. Many patients have reported symptoms decreasing over the course of the illness and some have eventually recovered completely. Unfortunately, until the medical community can come to a conclusion about what causes chronic fatigue syndrome, a definitive cure remains out of sight. In order to minimize the extent to which your symptoms affect your ability to function and your quality of life, take the necessary steps to help manage your illness. Whether this means taking prescription medications or just learning to take better care of yourself, how you chose to treat your illness is up to you and your doctor.

Learn more about this author, Marie Gerber.
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