Gourt > Health > Conditions and Diseases > Neurological Disorders > Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (6)
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), post-viral fatigue syndrome (PVFS), and various other names, is a syndrome (or group of syndromes) of unknown and possibly multiple etiologies, affecting the central nervous system (CNS), immune, and many other systems and organs. There is no simple diagnostic test; CFS is a diagnosis of exclusion, although recent research indicates biological hallmarks of the syndrome, and a diagnostic test is predicted soon. Most definitions (other than the 1991 UK Oxford criteria) require a number of features, the most common being severe mental and physical exhaustion or depletion which is "unrelieved by rest" (according to the 1994 Fukuda definition), and is often worsened by even trivial exertion (controversially, the Oxford and Fukuda criteria require this to be optional only). CFS occurs more often, but not exclusively, in women, possibly due to immunological factors (women are overall more susceptible to similar disorders). CFS is most easily diagnosed when formerly active adults become ill, but it has been reported in persons of all ages, including young children and particularly teenagers.
Patients with this diagnosis commonly report many other symptoms which are far more onerous than these research diagnostic criteria; including pain, muscle weakness, loss of brain function, hypersensitivity, orthostatic intolerance, digestive disturbances, depression, immune system weakness, and cardiac and respiratory problems. These symptoms, like the syndrome's hallmark 'fatigue', range from mild to life-threateningly severe. Some cases resolve or improve over time, and where available, treatments bring a degree of improvement to many others. Most diagnostic criteria insist that these symptoms must be present for at least six months, and all insist on there being no other cause for the fatigue: i.e. the fatigue must be idiopathic, not caused by conditions such as radiation treatment for cancer, or diabetes. CFS remains a controversial diagnosis, and even its terminology and classification are controversial.
History
Originally studied since the late 1930s as an immunological neurological disorder under the medical term "myalgic encephalomyelitis" (ME), CFS has been classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a disease of the central nervous system since 1969. In 1992 and early 1993 the terms "post-viral fatigue syndrome" (PVFS) and "chronic fatigue syndrome" (CFS) were added to ME under the exclusive ICD-10 designation of G93.3. More on [ Chronic fatigue syndrome ]
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CFS / M.E. Information from CFS-NEWS - This is a resource page for chronic fatigue syndrome / myalgic encephalomyelitis, featuring news sources, discussion groups, FAQs, medical documents and links to other related pages.
Meta Description: [ This is a resource page for chronic
fatigue syndrome / myalgic encephalomyelitis / CFIDS, sponsored by the
publisher of CFS-NEWS. It features news sources, discussion groups, FAQs,
medical documents and links to other related pages. ]
CFS Phoenix - Committed to exploring the treatments and research of CFS as well as the experiences of patients.
CFS-Information International - International news and information on chronic fatigue syndrome, including research, treatment, causes, exercise, Ampligen as well as many other topics.
Meta Description: [ Professionally selected and organized research on ME/CFS, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and overlapping syndromes ]
CFS/FMS/MCS/GWS/Lyme Information - This site focuses on chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, multiple chemical sensitivities, Lyme disease, and/or Gulf war syndrome.
Meta Description: [ Chronic+Fatigue+Immune Dysfunction, Fibromyalgia, Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, Lyme Disease, and/or GWS Information Page for people who have these diseases, their friends and family members ]
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - Offers information about CFS and its diagnosis and treatment. Includes information on support groups, research and publications. A U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention site.
Meta Description: [ CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ]
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Hub - Information on causes, diagnosis, treatment, and research of CFS.
Chronic Neuroimmune Diseases - Information and resources for CFS, FMS and MCS by Melissa Kaplan.
eMedicine Health - Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - Consumer health resource center providing an overview of chronic fatigue syndrome and its causes, symptoms and treatment.
Meta Description: [ Chronic fatigue syndrome (also called CFS) is a disorder without a known cause, although CFS may be related to a previous infection. CFS is a state of chronic fatigue that ... ]
Have I Got Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? - A patient information leaflet provided by The Little Surgery, Stamford, UK Web site.
Meta Description: [ A patient information leaflet - Have I got Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ? This is one of a series of information leaflets available on The Little Surgery, Stamford, UK web site. ]
Help and Information for M.E. sufferers - Help, information and handy hints for M.E. sufferers. (M.E. is also known as chronic fatigue syndrome.)
Meta Description: [ M.E. Help and information for sufferers. ]
Living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia - By Katrina Berne, Ph.D., with information, coping strategies, and humor regarding CFS, fibromyalgia, and related disorders.
ME International Myalgic Encephalomyelitis - Advocacy for the continuing fight for recognition, funding and research, as well as the reasoning for name change to myalgic encephalomyelitis not chronic fatigue syndrome.
Meta Description: [ About Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Symptoms, Diagnostic Criteria and Protocols , GP's Guidelines and Medical Information, Advocacy Issues, Research criteria and Information, Treatment Issues , the Stories of Sufferers ]
ME-NET - Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis Web site, discussion list, and search engine.
ME/CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and Fibromyalgia Information - Provides research and general information on ME/CFS and fibromyalgia, links, a message board and lists of doctors.
Meta Description: [ Provides research and general information on ME/CFS and fibromyalgia,
links, a message board and lists of doctors. ]
Mind-Body Health - Information and research into chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME), irritable bowel syndrome, and the relationship between mental attitude, lifestyle and physical health.
Meta Description: [ Information and research into chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME), burnout, the placebo effect and the relationship between mental attitude, lifestyle and physical health ]
Steve Nieminen's Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Program - Steve Nieminen explains how to deal with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Meta Description: [ Steve Nieminen explains how to deal with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ]
Techniques For Overcoming CFS, FMS and GWS - Techniques for dealing with chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia and Gulf War syndromes.
Meta Description: [ The #1 Site On The Internet For Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, and Gulf War Syndrome. ]
The M.E. Tips Collection - Tips for living with M.E., also known as chronic fatigue syndrome. Topics covered include pacing and freeing your mind, among others. Links are also provided.
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