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CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME |
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Symptoms of CFS Primary Symptoms Although its name trivializes the illness as little more than mere tiredness, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)—also known as chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS)—brings with it a constellation of debilitating symptoms. As the name chronic fatigue syndrome suggests, this illness is accompanied by fatigue. However, it's not the kind of fatigue we experience after a particularly busy day or week, a sleepless night or stressful events. It's a severe, incapacitating fatigue that isn't improved by bed rest and that may be worsened by physical or mental activity. The fatigue of CFS is accompanied by characteristic symptoms lasting at least six months. These symptoms include:
The symptoms of CFS are highly variable and fluctuate in severity, complicating treatment and the patient's ability to cope with the illness. Most symptoms are invisible, which makes it difficult for others to understand the array of debilitating symptoms, or their impact. It's important to tell your health care professional if you're experiencing the symptoms of CFS. They may be related to CFS, or they may indicate that you have another treatable disorder. Only a health care professional can diagnose CFS. Other Common Symptoms People with CFS also report many additional symptoms, such as word-finding difficulties, inability to comprehend/retain what is read, inability to calculate numbers and impairment of speech and/or reasoning. CFS patients may also have visual disturbances (blurring, sensitivity to light, eye pain, need for frequent prescription changes); psychological problems (depression, irritability, anxiety, panic attacks, personality changes, mood swings); chills and night sweats; shortness of breath; dizziness and balance problems; sensitivity to heat and/or cold; alcohol intolerance; irregular heartbeat; irritable bowel (abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, intestinal gas); low-grade fever or low body temperature; numbness, tingling and/or burning sensations in the face or extremities; dryness of the mouth and eyes (sicca syndrome); gynecological problems including PMS and endometriosis; chest pains; rashes; ringing in the ears (tinnitus); allergies and sensitivities to noise/sound, odors, chemicals and medications; weight changes without changes in diet; light-headedness; mental fogginess; fainting; muscle twitching; and seizures.For More Information For additional information on symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options for CFS, go to:
For patient brochures and other materials, click here.
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