Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

You've probably read about chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms such as fatigue, pain and exercise intolerance, but the list of possible symptoms of this condition are far-reaching and body-wide.

Many of these symptoms also can be caused by other ailments and you should discuss all symptoms with a doctor to rule out other conditions. This list isn't intended as a diagnostic tool. This list includes only those symptoms that you can detect yourself, not things for which you'd need a medical test. It's intended not to take the place of a medical diagnosis, but to give you valuable information. Knowing the full range of symptoms can help you track them either to help your doctor diagnose you properly, or to help you identify things that make you feel worse.

• Learn how doctors diagnose chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Find a doctor who treats chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Track your symptoms.

Some of the following are noted as overlapping conditions, which means they commonly occur with chronic fatigue syndrome but actually are conditions that need to be diagnosed and treated separately.

People with chronic fatigue syndrome may have flare-ups and remissions or may have constant symptoms with very little day-to-day change. You can have any combination of the following symptoms, and to varying degrees of severity. (Symptoms with an asterisk are included in the CDC diagnostic criteria, which is somewhat controversial. Many researchers and advocates are calling for the U.S. to adopt Canadian diagnostic criteria.)

Sleep & Energy-Related Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

• Incapacitating fatigue*
• Post-exertional malaise* (extreme fatigue after exercise, lasting 24 hours or more)
• Poor stamina

Flu-Like Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

• Pain in joints without swelling or redness* (can be constant or move between joints)
• Muscle aches*
• Unrefreshing sleep*
• Sore throat*
• Headaches of a new type, pattern of severity*
• Tender lymph nodes
• Chronic cough
• Nausea

Other Pain/Sensation Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

• Morning stiffness
• Earache
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), as an overlapping condition (abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, bloating)
• Numbness
• Tingling and/or burning sensations in the face or extremities
• Chest pains (Always treat chest pain as a serious condition warranting immediate medical care.)
• Jaw pain (possibly TMJ, as an overlapping condition)

Cognitive Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

• Short-term memory or concentration problems*
• Word-finding difficulties
• Inability to comprehend or retain what is read
• Inability to calculate numbers
• Impaired speech
• Impaired reasoning
• Mental fogginess

Psychological Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

• Depression, as an overlapping condition
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Personality changes
• Mood swings

Sensitivities & Intolerances of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

• Allergies
• Sensitivities to noise, odors, chemicals or medications
• Sensitivity to heat and/or cold
• Alcohol intolerance

Cardio & Respiratory Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

• Irregular heartbeat
• Neurally mediated hypotension (dizziness & balance problems upon standing)
• Shortness of breath

General Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

• Low-grade fever or low body temperature
• Visual disturbances (blurring, light sensitivity, eye pain, worsening vision, dry eyes)
• Chills & night sweats
• Dry mouth & eyes (called sicca syndrome)
• Rashes
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears), as an overlapping condition
• Unexplained weight changes
• Muscle twitching
• Seizures
• Recurrent infections
• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), as an overlapping condition
• Endometriosis, as an overlapping condition