by Trenna Sue Hiler

Created on: August 29, 2008   Last Updated: December 03, 2011

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome has been around for a very long time. There have been diseases noted back in the 1700's that describe the symptoms, but have gone by other names. There is much controversy about the disease and no concrete test that can detect it. It's more a process of elimination of symptoms and causes. That seems to make is more subjective. But those who suffer can tell you about the symptoms in detail. It is a very debilitating disease.

Because the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) are so vague in 1994 the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) developed a detailed case definition to help doctors diagnose the disease. According to the definition, in order to be diagnosed with CFS a patient must have both:

1. severe, chronic fatigue, it must last at least 6 month or longer.

It can not be alleviated by rest, and other known medical causes and

conditions must be excluded.

2. four or more of the following symptoms

{}sore throat

{}tender and sore lymph nodes in the armpit or neck

{}multi-joint pain without swelling

{}muscle pain

{}tiredness that lasts longer than 24 hours

{}restless sleep and vague feelings of illness or depression after

exerting oneself, lasting more than 24 hours following the exertion

{}headaches of a new type, pattern or severity

In addition the definition suggests that any of the above symptoms associated with fatigue must have occurred for at least 6 or more consecutive months. It is also noted that fatigue must be the first noticeable symptom of the illness. There are other common symptoms among those with chronic fatigue syndrome. They include diarrhea, blurry vision, low fever, chills, and fluctuations in appetite, night sweats and fluctuation with weight.

Some of the things your doctor must rule out before the diagnosis of

CFS can be made are:

*kidney disease

*infections

*autoimmune disorders

*tumors

*drug dependence

*liver disease

*depression

*psychiatric illnesses

Although the diagnosis is hard to make and perhaps even harder to treat there some are common threads that can be tested and seem to be seen in most cases.

*The CD4 T cells (a specific type of white blood cell is much higher compared to the CD8 T cells

*Brain MRI shows swelling in the brain or destruction of some of the nerve cells

*lymphocytes containing active forms of EBV or HHV-6

To date there is no real way to treat chronic fatigue syndrome. The most we can do is try and limit the pain and change the behaviors that act as triggers. The most severe result may be the depression because the patient can see no end in sight. The disease is real and the symptoms painful. More research and studies are needed to help those with the syndrome.

Reference:

www.nlm.nih.gov

www.4woman.gov

www.kidshealth.org

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