Answers To: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Symptoms

The following list of possible symptoms varies from patient to patient. To have chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) it is not necessary that all symptoms be present. Primary symptoms include:
Severe Fatigue, Problems or malaise after exertion (exercise), Swollen or tender lymph nodes, Problems with concentration or memory, Muscle pain, Unrefreshing sleep, Headaches and Joint pain.

In addition to the primary symptoms the following may also be experienced:
Fibromyalgia, Low blood pressure, dizziness upon standing, Multiple sensitivities, food, chemical, pet, etc., Abdominal complaints, Psychological problems, personality changes, Stiffness especially in the morning, Sensitivity to heat, including warm showers, Diarrhea, Chronic sore throat or cough, More susceptible to infections, Low grade fever.

Diagnosis

An accurate diagnosis is important and is done by exclusion. There are no tests to determine or confirm the diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Only a qualified medical doctor can make an accurate diagnosis. There is a difference between CFS and just chronic fatigue as the above symptoms make clear.

The symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome are common to other diseases, some of which are fatal, making an accurate diagnosis very important. Do not self diagnose! A qualified medical doctor will rule out such diseases as multiple sclerosis, lupus, fibromyalgia, anemia, heart disorders, allergies, and cancer.

A formal diagnosis of CFS, chronic fatigue syndrome, requires that the patient has severe fatigue lasting six months or longer and at least four of the primary symptoms other than fatigue (unrefreshing sleep, joint pain, muscle pain, post exertion malaises, headaches, problem with memory or concentration, and swollen or tender lymph glands).