Recognition
of CFS
Important Facts |
|
1.
CFS is NOT just chronic fatigue, so it must not be called
by that name. Fatigue that is long lasting is a feature
of many things, including a stressful, busy lifestyle.
2. Chronic fatigue can be a feature of many illnesses. It is vitally important that efforts be made to accurately diagnose and appropriately treat any other illnesses before assuming that a patient has CFS.
3. CFS was classified by the World Health Organisation in 1993 as a neurological illness. It is a syndrome (a group of signs and symptoms considered together as characterising a disease).
|
How
can it be recognised?
Symptom Onset |
| People
with chronic fatigue syndrome have usually been well, often extremely
well, before they developed symptoms. Onset may be gradual or sudden, and may be preceded by a triggering event such as an infection, unusual levels of stress or exceptional physical exertion. |
| All
are tired |
|
Not all patients experience tiredness as their primary symptom. There are other definite features that may add up to a diagnosis of CFS. |
| There
is usually sleep disturbance |
| Disturbance of sleep patterns is frequently a problem for CFS patients. |
| All
have cognitive dysfunction |
| Thinking processes are often affected by CFS. This can be worse under certain circumstances (eg stress or anxiety). |
| Mood
changes will invariably develop |
| Mood
disturbances are common results of the illness' limitations. |
| There
will be symptoms of neurological origin |
A greater sensitivity of the nervous system is common. This often causes
an amplification of response to sensory stimuli, such as pain
being experienced when light pressure is applied.
There is also usually a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, resulting in poor control of, amongst other things, blood pressure and
heart rate. |
| All
have generally sought attention from a variety of sources |
Usually
at presentation, many patients have already sought, or been offered,
a multitude of explanations and advice, much of which has
been contradictory, transiently beneficial and/or ineffective.
A lack of acceptance and support by doctors, health professionals, employers, teachers and peers at work or school, family and friends may be the worst aspect of this illness for many patients. |
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