$Unique_ID{BRK01148}
$Pretitle{Ill Defined Symptoms and Rare Diseases}
$Title{Answers About "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome"}
$Subject{fatigue syndrome evaluation}
$Volume{N-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Answers About "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome"


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QUESTION:  I am desperate for some easy to understand information about my
condition.  I believe I have "chronic fatigue Syndrome" but can find little
material that makes much sense to me.  I don't want to go on this way, but
find little help in what my own physician tells me.  Will you please provide
some answers?  I know you will help many people if you do.

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ANSWER:  This syndrome is certainly one of the more perplexing situations that
physicians have to deal with.  It's called a syndrome because, as yet there
are no identifiable causes, and therefore no specific treatments available.
The working definition shows our lack of precise knowledge about the ailment.
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is defined as fatigue that occurs fairly
acutely, in an otherwise healthy individuals, reduces their ability to carry
on their normal routines by more than 50%, and is of at least six months
duration.  Before a physician can make this diagnosis, a large number of other
possible causes must be ruled out, including, acute infections, inflammatory
diseases, adverse drug reactions, and significant psychiatric disorders,
particularly depression.  Patients present with a wide variety of symptoms,
including headaches and sleep disturbances, confusion and loss of memory,
irritability, difficulty with concentrating and performing mental tasks such
as arithmetic.  There can be numbness and tingling sensations, muscle
weakness, muscle aches and pains (myalgias) and joint pains (arthralgias).  In
addition, a low grade fever is present, along with a sore throat and enlarged
lymph glands in the neck area or armpits.  Unless nearly all the subjective
symptoms are present, at least two of the three physical signs must be present
before the diagnosis of CFS can be made.  Despite previous theories, infection
with the Epstein Barr virus does not seem to be associated with this ailment.
Recent studies seem to indicate that there may be a connection between CFS and
fibromyalgia, another condition that is difficult to diagnosis and treat.
While blood tests may be performed they are more useful in finding other
causes for the fatigue than for diagnosing CFS.  Treatment is pretty much a
case of treating the symptoms, with antidepressants used when depression is
severe.  The outlook is not promising either, as most patients do not return
to their previous levels of energy, but must accept life at a reduced pace,
unless a cause and cure can be discovered.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
