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CHRONIC FATIGUE
SYNDROME (CFS)

CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME (CFS)





Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), is a long-term tiredness (fatigue) that does not go away with sleep or rest, and affects everyday life. “Myalgia” is muscle pain and “encephalomyelitis” is Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.

CFS is the term that is often used to describe long-term tiredness by GPs and medical professionals. This is because, in the majority of cases, the main symptom is chronic fatigue. This is usually the preferred term, rather than ME, as in CFS, there is little evidence that Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord occurs. Anyone can get CFS, although it is more common in women than in men. It usually develops in the early twenties to mid-forties. Children can also be affected, most commonly between the ages of 13 - 15.

What are the symptoms?

Some of the more common symptoms include :-

• Unexplained, persistent fatigue, “not due to ongoing exertion”, and not substantially reduced by rest.
• Impaired memory or concentration.
• Post-exertional malaise, where physical or mental exertions bring on “extreme, prolonged exhaustion and sickness”.
• Unrefreshing sleep.
• Muscle pain (myalgia).
• Pain in multiple joints (arthralgia).
• Headaches of greater severity.
• Sore throat, frequent or recurring.
• Tender lymph nodes (cervical or axillary).

The tests that are applicable to this pathological condition are :-

However not all of the doctors will necessarily use all of these tests, some may use less and some more. Specific patients may require different tests and therefore the final selection of any tests must be made in conjunction with a medical doctor.

We appreciate that some readers have yet to decide upon the doctor and if you would like to receive a short list from which you can make the final selection please E-mail us. It is advisable that you identify the suspected or diagnosed pathological condition in order for us to provide the most appropriate options.
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