| CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME: SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS |
| Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Signs and Symptoms By: Cherish Hamutoff Although anyone can develop Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), it is more commonly found in adults ages 40 to 59, women and low-income persons. Experts estimate that around one million Americans suffer from CFS, however less than 20 percent of estimated cases are diagnosed. CFS is very difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are common in other illnesses and medical side effects, and there is no lab test to confirm the diagnosis. Signs also vary from person to person and range from mild to serious. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome may come on suddenly or develop gradually over time. CFS causes people to feel completely drained of energy and extremely tired. Some people get tired over a period of days or months, while others get tired suddenly overnight. This excessive tiredness makes simple everyday tasks like eating, waking, dressing and moving very challenging. The tiredness isn’t cured by sleep or rest. CFS can cause trouble focusing, muscle pain or sleeplessness. Tiredness may come and go, and in certain cases, never leave. Diagnosis isn’t made until after six months of extreme tiredness. The Main Signs of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Extreme weakness and tiredness Inability to recover more than 24 hours after exercise (physical or mental) Flulike symptoms Lack of focus and forgetfulness Waking up tired Muscle aches or pain Joint aches or pain without visible redness or swelling Sore throat Tenderness in the neck or arm lymph nodes New types of headaches Secondary Signs of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Personality changes; including anxiety, irritability, panic attacks, mood swings Changes in vision; including eye pain, light sensitivity, blurring Irritable bowel Night sweats and chills Drop in body temperature or low grade fever Changes in sensitivities or allergies Numbing or burning of the hands, feet or face Loss of balance, dizziness or fainting Why some people develop CFS is still a mystery to medical professionals. Some develop it after a minor infection (mononucleosis, stomach bug or cold), while others develop it during an extremely stressful time. Medical treatments and illness can cause extreme tiredness, so it’s difficult to diagnose if the tiredness is from CFS or other factors. |