Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS), is a complex and long-term illness characterized by extreme fatigue that persists for at least six months and is not significantly relieved by rest. The fatigue significantly impairs carrying out daily activities and is often worsened by physical or mental exertion, a phenomenon known as post-exertional malaise (PEM). Other common symptoms include sleep disturbances, muscle and joint pain, headaches, sore throat, cognitive disturbances, and enlarged lymph nodes. The exact cause of CFS is not clearly understood, but it may involve a combination of genetic predisposition, viral infections, immune dysfunction, and environmental triggers.

Diagnosis of CFS is primarily based on patient history, symptomatic presentation, and the exclusion of other medical conditions that could explain the symptoms. There is no definitive diagnostic test for CFS, which makes it a diagnosis of exclusion. Currently, there is no cure, and treatment is focused on symptom management, which may include pharmacological therapy for pain and sleep disturbances, psychological counseling, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and a tailored approach to activity management to avoid exacerbating symptoms. The severity of CFS varies widely among patients, and the condition can be debilitating for some, leading to a significant reduction in their quality of life.