One of the most baffling conditions in the medical world is myalgic encephalomyelitis, ME/CFS or Chronic fatigue syndrome. Chronic fatigue syndrome or CFS is a real and rather complex condition characterized by chronic fatigue or tiredness that doesn’t seem to go away and can last for months or even years. Chronic fatigue syndrome develops gradually over time. People with chronic fatigue syndrome experience fatigue that seems to get worse after even mild exertion and tend to exhibit fluctuating flu-like symptoms without getting any better.
Why this disorder is difficult to understand begins with the diagnosis itself. There is no concrete medical test to determine as to whether or not you have MF/chronic fatigue syndrome. However, researchers from Stanford University School of Medicine claim that CFS could be explained by the link with the immune system or inflammation. Their study shows that cytokines, type of biomarkers, correlate with the severity of chronic fatigue symptoms. The more a person has of them sloshing in their bloodstream, the higher his/her chances of developing the disorder. Cytokines are also known to promote inflammation, thus counting chronic fatigue syndrome as an inflammatory disease.
Chronic fatigue syndrome affects tens of thousands of people, making it quite a common condition than it seems. It occurs more commonly among women in their 40s and 50s. ME/CFS makes it difficult for people to function properly in daily usual activities and chores because of their long-term profound fatigue and issues with short-term memory loss.
Signs to Pay Attention to
There is no cure available at present to treat CFS. Many people living with chronic fatigue syndrome generally rely on medical treatment to help with the symptoms and take a new approach to their day-to-day living that reduces the effect of the condition.
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complex disorder to understand and can influence a wide scope of system and functions.
Core Symptoms
1. Fatigue: Chronic fatigue and feeling tired all the time is the most common sign associated with CFS. The fatigue you feel due to the disorder often lasts for 6 months or more than that. People who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome feel almost always tired, regardless of the time of the day, even if they haven’t anything that could drain their energy. They may not be able to shake that this fatigue.
Getting enough sleep might not also help or make symptoms worse.
2. Cognitive impairment: difficulties in thinking or problem-solving can occur for people with CFS, that can severely reduce energy levels.
Cognitive impairment can also lead with memory problems. People with the syndrome may not remember things, conversations, places or even written instructions. Chronic fatigue syndrome can cause different cognitive impairments in different people.
3. Sleep Disorders: it is common for people with CFS to experience a range of sleep disorders, including unrefreshing sleep. Even after a long night of rest, they wake up tired.
Sleep disorders that could lead to CFS include chronic insomnia, sleep apnea, restless legs, and involuntary spasms in the legs or arms.
Other Symptoms
There could be other symptoms for CFS as well, ranging in severity and differ from person to person.
- Pain like migraines, cramps to severe widespread pain or discomfort.
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Sore throat
- Depression or anxiety
- altered senses, such as visual problems
- alterations in weight
- flu-like symptoms
Since many signs and symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome could also be related to other diseases, it is important to consult a doctor to rule out other potential health problems before any diagnosis for CFS.
