Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Me Cfs

How Is Cfs Treated

Theres currently no specific cure for CFS.

Each person has different symptoms and therefore may require different types of treatment to manage the disorder and relieve their symptoms.

Work with your team of healthcare providers to create the best treatment plan for you. They can go over the possible benefits and side effects of the therapies with you.

How Is Me/cfs Treated

There is currently no FDA-approved treatment or drug for ME/CFS. As neither a cause nor cure for ME/CFS has been identified, treatment is directed at relieving symptoms. However, there are interventions and symptom-reduction strategies that you can use to significantly improve patients quality of life.

Learn more in our Patient Resources section.

Studies show that less than 9-16 percent of ME/CFS patients in the United States have been properly diagnosed. Diagnosing ME/CFS is a challenging process because there is still not one diagnostic test or biomarker thats conclusive. Getting a definitive diagnosis often takes months or even years.

Providing compassionate and effective care for patients with ME/CFS can be challenging, like many other multisystemic chronic conditions. Patients and their providers must be partners with open lines of communication in order to effectively manage this illness. For medical providers seeking to provide better care for ME/CFS patients, reference our educational materials at our Medical Provider Resources page.

Mitigation Of Encumbrance Symptoms

Optimal management/treatment of the encumbrance-linked abnormalities outlined in this article and the supporting literature warrants further study . At a minimum, avoiding the noted common postural risk factors and intense/repetitive neuro-dynamic movement of sensitive neuromuscular tissues is advisable. The use of special furniture/accessories may aid relevant behavior change e.g., rocking kneeling chairs/wobble cushions and vertebral support belts/braces.

Manual physical therapy focused on mild functional exercises and gentle stretching, intended to gradually increase ROM and reduce neuromuscular tension, may prove beneficial. Physical therapists should be aware, however, that the DRG may be sensitive/inflamed and that manipulation of this region, as well as direct nerve mobilization , has the capacity to exacerbate symptoms considerably .

Overcoming physical activity avoidance and facilitating physical rehabilitation are considered important recovery goals . If progress here is to be optimally sustained, then related endeavors will, thus, remain within dynamic, individualized parameters, reflecting: Levels of strength and stamina , peripheral sensitivity , limited energy envelopes , and delayed mitochondrial energy and muscular recovery .

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What Causes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is not known. There are various theories but none has been proved. A popular theory is that a viral infection may trigger the condition. It is well known that tiredness is a symptom that can persist for a short time following certain viral infections. For example, infection with the glandular fever virus or the influenza virus can cause fatigue for several weeks after other symptoms have gone. However, most people recover within a few weeks from the tiredness that follows known viral infections.

Even if a viral infection is a trigger of CFS, it is not clear why symptoms persist when there is no evidence of persisting infection. Also, the symptoms of many people with CFS do not start with a viral infection.

Factors that are thought to contribute to some people developing CFS include:

• Inherited genetic susceptibility .
• Exhaustion and mental stress.
• A traumatic event such as bereavement, divorce or redundancy.

It is hoped that research will clarify the cause of CFS in the future.

A Life Altering Disease

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a complex multi-system disease with many symptoms that may change over time and differ from patient to patient. The most common symptoms of ME/CFS are post-exertional malaise , unrefreshing sleep, profound fatigue, cognitive impairment, orthostatic intolerance, and pain.The cause of ME/CFS is currently unknown, but a combination of genetic and environmental factors appear to be relevant. There are no specific diagnostic tests or FDA approved treatments available.

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ME/CFS is a multi-system disease

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Getting Older And Me/cfs

There is very little information on getting older and ME/CFS, however people can develop ME/CFS at any age. Additionally, all of the strategies such as pacing to reduce PEM and managing symptoms still apply. As people age, other problems with their health may also arise, so discussing any new symptoms with their doctor important.

Fasting Induced Mirna Changes

The effects of fasting were assessed by evaluating differential expression of miRNAs separately in participants who ate unified breakfast after overnight fasting and those who did not eat breakfast after overnight fasting . When looking at comparison of miRNA expression between fasting ME/CFS and HCs, only six miRNAs showed differential expression with P < .05, out of which only three passed FDR criteria. The expression of miR1505p and miR3423p was higher, whereas miR548q expression was lower in ME/CFS than HCs . As discussed earlier, in participants who had unified breakfast, regardless of gender, the ME/CFS cohort had higher expression of miR4235p, miR4443 and miR1505p, whereas miR223p, miR1993p,miR374b5p, miR126a3p and miR130a3p expression was reduced . Both miR3423p and miR548q were not among the 26 differentially expressed miRNAs between ME/CFS and HCs who had breakfast before blood draw. By contrast, miR1505p expression appears to be consistently higher in ME/CFS regardless of fasting status. No other differentially expressed miRNA overlapped. Moreover, the increased expression of miR1505p seen in ME/CFS regardless of fasting status, presented higher levels in fasting as compared to nonfasting suggesting possible modulation in ME/CFS by dietary factors.

3.6.1. miRNA expression in fasting and nonfasting ME/CFS compared with HCs stratified by gender

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The Paradox In Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Me/cfs And Pots

by Cort Johnson | Sep 28, 2020 | Homepage, POTS |

The first of two of three blogs exploring the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in ME/CFS and COVID-19. Warning this blog is complex

Back in 1997, they had a couple of important things right orthostatic intolerance is basically caused by not getting enough blood to the brain when one stands . Even back then, researchers knew that problem could be caused in different ways. Blood pooling in the lower body upon standing probably because of damaged autonomic nerves was one. Low blood volume was another factor making it difficult to get blood to the brain upon standing.

The 1997 paper, Hypovolemia in Syncope and Orthostatic Intolerance Role of the Renin-Angiotensin System, brought a big surprise, though. Not only did they find markedly low blood volume in some cases 1,000 ml low but they found low plasma renin activity as well and that didnt make sense.

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system that regulates blood volume presents a paradox in ME/CFS and FM.

Renin is the first leg of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system thats designed to deliver optimal blood volume levels. If blood volume is low, renin activity should be high.

Given the profound low blood volume found, both renin and aldosterone levels should have been dramatically increased, but the opposite was happening they were both decreased in postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome . With that, the renin-aldosterone paradox had been born.

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What Are The Symptoms Of Me/cfs

ME/CFS symptoms, which can often be made worse by standing upright, include:

• Post-exertional malaise , the worsening of symptoms following even minor physical or mental exertion, with symptoms typically worsening 12 to 48 hours after activity and lasting for days or even weeks
• Persistent fatigue for six months or more
• Non-restorative sleep/sleep disturbance
• Sensitivity to light, sound, odors, chemicals, foods, and medications

If you think you may have ME/CFS, take our quick online quiz.

Because these symptoms are shared with many other illnesses and because many of these conditions lack a diagnostic test or biomarker identifying which illnesses are present can be difficult. Some patients receive diagnoses for multiple conditions. Common conditions that occur along with ME/CFS include the following:

• Multiple chemical sensitivity disorder

Long Covid/ Long Haulers

Following the outbreak of COVID-19 in late 2019 in Wuhan Province, China, and its rapid spread into other parts of the world, researchers, scientists, and patients familiar with post-viral syndromes began to become concerned not only about the acute danger of this particular virus but the potential long-term sequelae. Following SARS-1, West Nile Virus, H1N1 influenza virus, and other reports claim, that up to 11% of patients who had severe infections from Epstein-Barr virus , Q fever , or Ross River virus , and others, develop ME/CFS. Other studies following SARS and MERS suggest an even higher proportion develop ME/CFS or Fibromyalgia.”

Given that some estimates suggest as much as 75% of all ME/CFS patients developed their illness following a post-viral or post-bacterial illness, there has been considerable frustration in the ME/CFS community-researchers and patients alike-that had ME/CFS patients been taken more seriously all along, then research into what causes this debilitating outcome in some patients and not in others would have been identified and potentially remedied by now.

Additionally, there is great frustration in the ME/CFS community as they watch these new cases as they are now being officially diagnosed as they pass the six-month mark required for official ME/CFS diagnosis.

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Mental Health Support And Me/cfs

ME/CFS is not a psychological disorder. However, living with a chronic illness is challenging, especially one that involves missing out on normal life activities, and this may lead to mental health problems like anxiety or depression.

Speaking with a qualified mental health professional who understands the challenges of living with ME/CFS can be very helpful. They can help with things such as coping with changes to schooling, employment or social activities, and symptoms such as difficulty with sleep or pain. With the availability of Medicare rebates for telehealth, many mental health practitioners now offer remote consultations which makes healthcare more accessible for those who are housebound or bedbound with ME/CFS.

What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome , also referred to as myalgic encephalomyelitis , is a condition that causes marked long-term tiredness and other symptoms which are not caused by any other known medical condition.

• CFS stands for chronic fatigue syndrome. Chronic means persistent or long-term.
• MEstands formyalgic encephalomyelitis. Myalgic means muscle aches or pains. Encephalomyelitis means inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.

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Caring For Someone With Me/cfs

Having a supportive community of family, friends, school, work, employers and health workers, who understand the potential seriousness of ME/CFS, can also help improve the quality of life of people living with ME/CFS.

Everyone involved in supporting someone with ME/CFS needs to understand Post Exertional Malaise, which is an abnormal, biological response to exercise or activity. This means the patient will not be able to do all of the activities they used to be able to do, and will benefit from practical and emotional support. People with ME/CFS will each have different needs and preferences, so it is important to talk with them about how best to provide support. This may include help with daily routines, family life, accessing healthcare and other personal priorities.

How Is Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/chronic Fatigue Syndrome Diagnosed

Your doctor diagnoses ME/CFS by performing a mental and physical examination. Doctors will ask about your medical history and order blood and urine tests to check for infection. In many cases, doctors refer people with suspected ME/CFS to other specialists to rule out other illnesses that could be causing symptoms.

For your doctor to diagnose ME/CFS, you must have these 3 symptoms:

• Severe fatigue lasting at least 6 months that does not improve with rest or sleep
• Difficulty sleeping
• Fatigue that gets worse after mental or physical exercise

Additionally, you must have at least 1 of the following symptoms:

• Orthostatic intolerance

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New Drug For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

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NICE has today published its updated guideline on the diagnosis and management of myalgic encephalomyelitis /chronic fatiguesyndrome . 28 October 2021 The guideline covers every aspect of ME/CFS in children, young people and adults from its identification and assessment before and after diagnosis to. Use of valganciclovir in patients with elevated antibody titers against Human Herpesvirus-6 and EpsteinBarr Virus who were experiencing central nervous system dysfunction including long-standing fatigue. J Clin Virol. 2006 37:S33-S38. doi: 10.1016/S1386-6532 70009-9 17. Mitchell WM. 2022. 3. 11. ·Since there is no standard treatment for CFS/ME, people often consider alternatives to traditional medicine or use non-traditional treatments to complement their other medications. Commonly used alternative and complementary treatments 11 include: Mind-body treatments, like qigong, tai chi, and meditation. Massage.

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Severe Or Very Severe Cfs/me

If you have severe or very severe CFS/ME, you will need more frequent reviews and increased support and care. You should also be referred:

• To a physiotherapist or occupational therapist working in an CFS specialist team for support on developing energy management plans.
• To a dietician with a special interest in CFS.

The process and pace of any CBT should be adjusted to meet your needs. This might include shorter, less frequent sessions and longer-term goals.

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Cope With Depression Anxiety And Distress

When you have ME/CFS, you may not be able to do the things you would like to do. This may lead to feelings of frustration and anxiety. It can also lead to depression. Depression is not the same thing as ME/CFS. But it can make your ME/CFS symptoms worse.

• Work with your doctor to watch for signs of depression.
• If your doctor suggests an antidepressant, ask if there is one that can help control your pain and help you sleep, as well as improve your mood.
• For support and help with mood problems, you can also work with a professional counselor who understands ME/CFS.

An ME/CFS support group can be a good source of information and tips for managing your illness. It also gives you a chance to share your frustrations and problems with others who have ME/CFS.

What Are The Symptoms

Symptoms can vary with ME/CFS. If you have ME/CFS:

• You feel exhausted all or much of the time. And it doesn’t get better with rest.
• Your symptoms often flare up after a mental or physical activity that used to be no problem for you. There may be a day or two delay before it starts. And it may take days, weeks, or more to feel better.
• You have problems sleeping. Or you may wake up feeling tired or not rested.
• It may be harder for you to think clearly, concentrate, and remember things.
• You may feel dizzy, weak, or in more pain when you have been standing or sitting upright for a long time.
• You may also have headaches, muscle and joint pain, a sore throat, and tender glands in your neck or armpits.

Depression is common with ME/CFS, and it can make your other symptoms worse.

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Other Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms

Other symptoms that may be associated with CFS/ME include:

• Dizziness, palpitations, fainting, nausea on standing or sitting upright from a lying position.
• Increased sensitivity to temperature, causing increased sweating, chills, hot flushes or feeling very cold.
• Twitching and other abnormal uncontrolled body movements.
• Flu-like symptoms, including sore throat, tender glands, nausea, chills or muscle aches.
• Intolerance to alcohol, or to certain foods or chemicals.
• Increased sensitivities, including to light, sound, touch, taste and smell.
• Pain, including pain on touch, muscle pain, headaches, eye pain, tummy pain, or joint pain.

Housebound Or Bedbound With Me/cfs

About 25% of people with ME/CFS are housebound or bedbound. Those who are housebound may be able to undertake minimal daily tasks for themselves, such as brushing teeth, cooking or using a computer for short periods of time, but they have to pace their activity and often use aids to help them . They are unable to leave the house, often because this requires more energy than they have available. When they do leave the house, they often need mobility aids such as a wheelchair or mobility scooter, or other assistance . Recovery from a trip out of the house can take days, or longer.

Some people are so severely unwell that they are bedbound some or all of the time. The most severely unwell may be unable to undertake even simple tasks, like eating or going to the toilet by themselves. They may require additional medical devices, such as feeding tubes, to help them get enough nutrition and fluids, and can be totally dependent on carers.

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Home Remedies And Lifestyle Changes

Making some lifestyle changes may help reduce your symptoms.

Limiting or eliminating your caffeine intake can help you sleep better and ease your insomnia. You should limit or avoid nicotine and alcohol too.

Try to avoid napping during the day if its hurting your ability to sleep at night.

Create a sleep routine. Go to bed at the same time every night and aim to wake up around the same time every day.