What is CFS?

CFS Symptoms and Causes

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a condition of unknown cause, although many factors have been implicated at times. It is also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or post-viral fatigue syndrome. It's main feature is an abnormally and prolonged abnormally deep fatigue that in it's most severe form can disable the sufferer completely.

It usually affects those between the ages of 25 and 45 years, but can occur at any age with more women than men suffering..

The diagnosis does not depend on medical tests and these may be normal, leading to the suspicion from some doctors that the problem is psychological. The diagnosis is made by the patient suffering from the severe chronic fatigue for at least six months in the absence of any other diagnosed medical problem.

Four of the following chronic fatigue symptoms need also to be present. These are not in order of importance:-

• Painful Glands
• Multiple Joint pains with no signs of arthritis
• Painful Muscles
• Poor and unsatisfying sleep
• Headaches with new features like severity, position, triggers
• Tiredness after activity that lasts more than 24 hours or always tired
• Poor short-term memory or reduced concentration
• Sore throat

There may be many other symptoms that may cloud the issue and delay diagnosis. The symptoms may be worsened by activity, both mental or physical and not eased by resting.

It may be difficult to differentiate chronic fatigue syndrome from fibromyalgia

Also helpful may be back pain, depression and anxiety.