Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is so much more than just feeling tired. CFS is characterized by exhaustion so profound that it significantly interferes with a person’s daily life. It is also accompanied by other symptoms such as: problems with memory and concentration, flu-like aching, sore throat, tender lymph nodes, headaches, non-refreshing sleep, and/or pain in muscles and joints.
Articles & Resources
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A Conversation with Dorothy Wall – Author of "Encounters with the Invisible"
An interview with Dorothy Wall, author of the book "Encounters with the Invisible," both about writing the book and about her experiences as a chronic fatigue syndrome patient.
An interview with Dorothy Wall, author of the book "Encounters with the Invisible," both about writing the book and about her experiences as a chronic fatigue syndrome patient.
"Encounters with the Invisible"
Although "Encounters with the Invisible" is a personal account of author Dorothy Wall’s struggle with chronic fatigue syndrome, you will relate to it equally as well if you have fibromyalgia, Gulf War Syndrome, or any one of a number of chronic controversial illnesses.
Although "Encounters with the Invisible" is a personal account of author Dorothy Wall’s struggle with chronic fatigue syndrome, you will relate to it equally as well if you have fibromyalgia, Gulf War Syndrome, or any one of a number of chronic controversial illnesses.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome 101
Whether you are a newly diagnosed patient wanting to learn about chronic fatigue syndrome, a family member or friend of a chronic fatigue syndrome patient who wants to understand what your loved one is going through, or you are just looking for the basic facts about CFS, these resources will help you get started.
Whether you are a newly diagnosed patient wanting to learn about chronic fatigue syndrome, a family member or friend of a chronic fatigue syndrome patient who wants to understand what your loved one is going through, or you are just looking for the basic facts about CFS, these resources will help you get started.
Top Magazines Feature Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Articles
This summer chronic fatigue syndrome seems to be getting some much-deserved national attention. Two top national magazines are featuring articles that both raise awareness and educate the public about this often-misunderstood illness.
This summer chronic fatigue syndrome seems to be getting some much-deserved national attention. Two top national magazines are featuring articles that both raise awareness and educate the public about this often-misunderstood illness.
What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
CFS is an illness characterized by profound and prolonged exhaustion, not relieved by rest and not directly caused by other illnesses or conditions. People with CFS exhibit flu-like symptoms that do not subside in a few days or weeks. A significant characteristic of CFS is post-exertional malaise, a worsening of symptoms that lasts for more than 24 hours following exertion.
CFS is an illness characterized by profound and prolonged exhaustion, not relieved by rest and not directly caused by other illnesses or conditions. People with CFS exhibit flu-like symptoms that do not subside in a few days or weeks. A significant characteristic of CFS is post-exertional malaise, a worsening of symptoms that lasts for more than 24 hours following exertion.
What Causes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Unfortunately, no one really knows what causes chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Often it occurs following a cold, flu or viral infection. It can start during or after a period of high physical or emotional stress. Yet sometimes it comes on gradually, with no clear starting point. Two decades of research have still not revealed a clear answer to the cause of CFS.
Unfortunately, no one really knows what causes chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Often it occurs following a cold, flu or viral infection. It can start during or after a period of high physical or emotional stress. Yet sometimes it comes on gradually, with no clear starting point. Two decades of research have still not revealed a clear answer to the cause of CFS.
How Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Is Diagnosed
Since there is not a specific test that reliably identifies CFS, and because it closely resembles other illnesses, the first diagnostic step usually involves a series of tests that will help the physician rule out other illnesses. Once other disorders have been excluded, the next step is to evaluate the patient according to the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) diagnostic criteria.
Since there is not a specific test that reliably identifies CFS, and because it closely resembles other illnesses, the first diagnostic step usually involves a series of tests that will help the physician rule out other illnesses. Once other disorders have been excluded, the next step is to evaluate the patient according to the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) diagnostic criteria.
History of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is often thought to be a fairly new illness, however, conditions with similar symptoms have been described in medical literature since the eighteenth century.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is often thought to be a fairly new illness, however, conditions with similar symptoms have been described in medical literature since the eighteenth century.
Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
There is no specific treatment that has proven to be effective in treating chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Because CFS has no known cure and its cause remains uncertain, any treatment plan focuses primarily on treating the symptoms in an effort to improve the patient’s quality of life.
There is no specific treatment that has proven to be effective in treating chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Because CFS has no known cure and its cause remains uncertain, any treatment plan focuses primarily on treating the symptoms in an effort to improve the patient’s quality of life.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Basics
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, offers an overview and basic information about chronic fatigue syndrome.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, offers an overview and basic information about chronic fatigue syndrome.