What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Cfs
Symptoms of CFS may change from day to day and can range from mild to severe. CFS can start suddenly, or the symptoms may come on slowly. The symptoms may come and go, or last for months to years. You may have any of the following:
- Problems remembering or concentrating
- Fatigue that does not go away after you rest
- Fatigue that lasts longer than 24 hours after exercise or strenuous activity
When Will A Diagnostic Blood Test For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Be Available
Although a pilot study published in 2019 showed promise for a potential CFS blood test, theres still no singular test that can help diagnose this condition. However, scientists across the globe, such as those involved in Stanfords Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Initiative, are working hard to find new diagnostic and treatment options for CFS.
Increase Your Vitamin B Intake
According to a study published in the Journal of Royal Society of Medicine, researchers found a direct link between reduced vitamin B levels and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Vitamin B6
The study focused on B-6, riboflavin and thiamine, and researchers believe that B6 is particularly important. Vitamin B6 rich foods include wild tuna and salmon, bananas, grass-fed beef, sweet potatoes, turkey, hazelnuts, garlic and cooked spinach.
Vitamin B6 helps to prevent and relieve fatigue, and it supports a healthy immune system. As stated above, some researchers believe that certain viruses play a role in CFS, therefore increasing B6 levels can be a helpful treatment. B6 helps supports T-cell functioning, allowing them to more adeptly fight infections.
Importance of Methylation
Methylation is the term given to the process in the body where methyl compounds are used in the critical functions of the body immune function, energy production, mood, inflammation, nerve function, detoxification, and even DNA all of which are challenges in chronic fatigue syndrome patients.
Methylation helps you process toxins, make hormones, and even helps in the production of neurotransmitters such as melatonin. How well your body can methylate effects all of these important areas. Poor methylation can lead to a variety of chronic conditions including certain types of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, allergies, digestive upset, mood and psychiatric disorders, and chronic fatigue.
Vitamin B12
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How Is It Treated
There is no treatment for ME/CFS itself, but many of its symptoms can be treated. A good relationship with your doctor is important. That’s because the two of you will need to work together to find a combination of medicines and lifestyle adjustments that will help you get better. Some trial and error may be needed, because no single combination of treatments works for everyone.
Home treatment is very important. You may need to change your daily schedule, learn better sleep habits, and use regular gentle movement or exercise to manage fatigue. Even at times when you have more energy, keep a low-key pace throughout each day. Rest often.
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.
Learning to cope with your symptoms and talking to others who have ME/CFS can help. So can working with a counsellor.
How Is Cfs Diagnosed
CFS is a very challenging condition to diagnose.
According to the Institute of Medicine, as of 2015, CFS occurs in about 836,000 to 2.5 million Americans. Its estimated, however, that 84 to 91 percent have yet to receive a diagnosis.
There are no medical tests to screen for CFS. Its symptoms are similar to many other conditions. Many people with CFS dont look sick, so doctors may not recognize that they indeed have a health condition.
In order to receive a CFS diagnosis, your doctor will rule out other potential causes and review your medical history with you.
Theyll confirm that you at least have the core symptoms previously mentioned. Theyll also ask about the duration and severity of your unexplained fatigue.
Ruling out other potential causes of your fatigue is a key part of the diagnosis process. Some conditions with symptoms that resemble those of CFS include:
- sleep disorders
The side effects of certain drugs, such as antihistamines and alcohol, can mimic symptoms of CFS as well.
Because of the similarities between symptoms of CFS and many other conditions, its important to not self-diagnose. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms. They can work with you to get relief.
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Where Can I Get Support
ME/CFS can have a significant emotional and financial impact on your life. A lack of understanding and awareness about ME/CFS means patients can experience disbelief, and even discrimination, from friends, family, health and social care professionals and employers.
Information on entitlements to welfare benefits, accessing health and social care and others sources of support for patients and carers are available from Action for M.E. They also offer resources and services for children and young people affected by ME/CFS and their families.
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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Depression Stress And Anxiety
Adjusting to a chronic, debilitating illness sometimes leads to other problems, including depression, stress, and anxiety. Many patients with ME/CFS develop depression during their illness. When present, depression or anxiety should be treated. Although treating depression or anxiety can be helpful, it is not a cure for ME/CFS.
Some people with ME/CFS might benefit from antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. However, doctors should use caution in prescribing these medications. Some drugs used to treat depression have other effects that might worsen other ME/CFS symptoms and cause side effects. When healthcare providers are concerned about patients psychological condition, they may recommend seeing a mental health professional.
Some people with ME/CFS might benefit from trying techniques like deep breathing and muscle relaxation, massage, and movement therapies . These can reduce stress and anxiety, and promote a sense of well-being.
Key Points About Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Chronic fatigue syndrome is characterized by profound tiredness.
- Symptoms often worsen with physical or mental activity.
- In addition to severe fatigue, symptoms include light sensitivity, headache, muscle and joint pain, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, and depression.
- Treatments may include medicines, exercise, supplements, and counseling.
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Work Closely With Your Ms Healthcare Providers
Make and keep regular appointments with your doctor to assess whether your disease is under the best control possible and youre receiving optimal MS treatment.
In many cases, when MS is well-controlled, it can help in terms of fatigue levels, says Devon Conway, MD, a neurologist at Cleveland Clinicâs Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research in Ohio.
Who Is More Likely To Have Post
There have been several studies that attempt to determine who is more likely to experience fatigue after a stroke, but this research is inconclusive and requires more testing. One study shows that women, older people, and those who suffered from fatigue before their stroke are most likely to experience it. However, other studies show that younger people and those
who were in shape before the stroke took place can also experience stroke-induced chronic fatigue. The bottom line is that this is a very common post-stroke condition that almost every type of survivor will battle with.
This type of tiredness can range from mild to severe, but it does not depend on the severity of the stroke that is, someone who suffered a severe and debilitating stroke can have the same or an even lesser amount of fatigue than someone who suffered a mild stroke.
It all depends on your body and your healing process. Fatigue is common to see after different types of stroke, including hemorrhagic and ischemic. However, it is more likely to experience fatigue after stroke than a Transient Ischemic Attack .
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So What Are The Symptoms Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
As implied by its name, the overarching symptom of this condition is chronic and persistent fatigue. CFS is more than just feeling tired after a long day of work its debilitating, unrelenting fatigue.
Officially, there are nine cardinal symptoms associated with CFS which are:2
With such vague and seemingly unrelated symptoms, its easy to see why this condition can be frustrating and difficult to diagnose.
Diagnostic Criteria For Me/cfs Using The National Academy Of Medicine Clinical Criteria
For a diagnosis of ME/CFS, the person must have the following three symptoms:
Diagnosis also requires at least one of the following two symptoms:
It is important to note that these are not the only symptoms of ME/CFS, just the minimum needed to meet the diagnostic criteria.
While diagnosis requires that a person has had symptoms continually for six months, early intervention with pacing and rest can help reduce symptoms, improve quality of life and reduce the risk of exacerbating the disease. Research suggests that patients who are able to pace their activity and not push themselves tend to do better in the long term. Pacing and rest can start even prior to an official diagnosis.
While there is currently no cure and no evidence-based treatments, it is important to find a doctor who is not only sympathetic to ME/CFS, but can work with you to help manage your symptoms.
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Time And Timing Differentiate Two Types Of Ms
There are two main types of MS:
- Relapsing-remitting MS is exactly what it sounds like: New neurological symptoms develop caused by inflammatory attacks on myelin, called a relapse, followed by periods of recovery where the symptoms may improve, remain but not worsen, or go away. This period is called remission.
Relapsing-remitting MS is the most common form of the disease. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, approximately 85 percent of people with MS are first diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS. Most diagnosed with this type of MS are generally in their 20s and 30s.
- Primary-progressive MS occurs when thereâs no improvement in symptoms from the onset of disease. âThere may be subtle improvements, but overall, the trajectory is continued worsening over a period of at least a year,â Shoemaker explains.
This form of MS can be more difficult to diagnose since people with the primary-progressive type tend to have less brain scarring, more spinal cord scarring and less inflammation than those with relapsing-remitting MS. They also have more difficulty with mobility and everyday activities, and onset usually occurs in the 40s or 50s.
Whereas 80 to 85 percent of cases of MS are relapsing, primary progressive MS is about 15 percent of the cases at diagnosis, and a 50-50 split between men and women.
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Next Steps If Youre Struggling With Chronic Fatigue
Contracting a viral infection certainly doesnt mean youre destined to develop a chronic illness like chronic fatigue syndrome. But knowledge is power and having an understanding of post-viral chronic fatigue syndrome can help you better protect yourself, and give us clues to better understand how to treat and manage this elusive illness.
If you or a loved one is struggling with unrelenting fatigue or have been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, I highly recommend seeking out a functional medicine doctor well versed in managing CFS. An experienced and educated professional can help you identify the root cause of your issues and provide guidance in implementing lifestyle changes to address the underlying problems.
If youre new to the functional medicine approach and arent sure where to start when it comes to choosing the right practitioner for you, head over and read my article on How to Choose a Good Integrative and Functional Medicine Doctor.
Now its time to hear from you. Are you surprised to learn that a viral infection like COVID-19 could potentially cause CFS? If you suffer from chronic fatigue, what steps have you taken to fight back? Leave your questions and thoughts in the comments below.
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What Causes Ms Fatigue
âThere are many reasons someone with MS experiences fatigue, Dr. Cohen says. Some are directly related to MS, and some are not.â
Some of the types of fatigue that may affect people with MS are:
- Indirect Fatigue Stress, trouble sleeping due to muscle spasms, side effects from medication, and depression that may go along with a chronic illness like MS can all cause fatigue. âDoctors should also rule out unrelated causes of fatigue, such as anemia or thyroid disease,â Cohen says.
- Neurologic FatigueâMS symptoms, like tremors, muscle weakness, and muscle spasms, use up a lot of energy and can lead to fatigue, Cohen says. Damage that has been sustained over time along nerve pathways can be aggravated by stress, activity, fever, and heat exposure. All of these factors contribute to MS fatigue.â
- Autoimmune FatigueâPersistent tiredness, or lassitude, is common in many autoimmune diseases and is probably the most common type of MS fatigue,â Cohen says. âIt is very similar to the type of fatigue experienced in chronic fatigue syndrome.â
How Will Me/cfs Affect My Quality Of Life
Not everyone will experience the same symptoms so itâs important not to compare people with ME/CFS. People with ME/CFS can have very different experiences of the condition and how long their symptoms last.
The impact of symptoms can be:
As symptoms change over time so does the impact they have on peopleâs lives.
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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.
Fatigue A Major Barrier To Recovery After Stroke
Fatigue is closely related to poorer physical recovery after stroke, according to a new study by the Heart and Stroke Foundation Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery.
A third of people who have a stroke experience debilitating fatigue, which may be caused by depression, sleep disturbances, lesions in the brain, or other unidentified factors.
Post-stroke fatigue is paralyzing, says Dr. Bradley MacIntosh, lead author and a neuroimaging scientist at Sunnybrook Research Institute. It is characterized by extreme tiredness, weakness, and exhaustion. It is the feeling that even if I could move, it would take too much effort. Sunnybrooks Dr. Walter Swardfager, scientist in the Brain Sciences Program and senior author of the study adds: It is easy to imagine how these symptoms might impact recovery, given the many benefits of being physically active after a stroke.
To complicate things, some symptoms of fatigue overlap with post-stroke depression, making it difficult to disentangle their impacts on different aspects of stroke recovery.
If fatigue is misidentified as depression, some anti-depressants may, in fact, make fatigue worse. There is no proven treatment for fatigue after a stroke, says Dr. Swardfager. We need to identify how fatigue poses a barrier to recovery, and understand the causes of fatigue so that we can treat it specifically.
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Does Increasing Functionality After Brain Injury Mean No More Fatigue
Posted January 28, 2019
Fatigue is such an inadequate word to describe the unutterable weariness that comes on to a person with fibromyalgia or brain injury just because one got up in the morning.
When someone who has a chronic illness or injury, particularly brain injury, fibromyalgia, or chronic fatigue syndrome, say theyre tired, they dont mean what you experience at the end of a long day. They dont mean something that can be overcome with a little application of willpower like when you must force yourself to get up out of your chair to go cook dinner after a long, long day. They dont mean the normal exhaustion from work or school. And it is not an euphemism for lazy or unmotivated. Its worse. Way worse.
Several years ago, my heart leapt up in horror and my mind screamed, Noooo! when I heard the speaker at a meeting of the Brain Injury Society of Toronto a person with brain injury say that he continues to deal with fatigue 14 years post injury.
The speaker had a job. The speaker had enough energy to travel to speak to audiences all over about his experiences. The speaker looked normal. Yet he still struggled with fatigue.
Yes, one can use inertia to complete a task as it drains every cell in your body and brain of fuel. But then you won’t be able to move for hours or days afterwards.
Copyright ©2019 Shireen Anne Jeejeebhoy. May not be reprinted or reposted without permission.
