Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) or myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) is a complicated disorder characterized by unexplained extreme fatigue that stays for at least six months. The cause for such condition cannot be correlated with any underlying medical condition. The fatigue increases with physical or mental activity and it does not improve with rest. The common symptoms include fatigue, problems with memory or concentration, sore throat, and headaches. Several factors may cause CFS. Potential reasons involve viral infections, immune system problems, hormonal imbalances, and physical or emotional trauma. CFS cannot be diagnosed as there is no single test for this purpose. In some medical conditions such as anemia, diabetes, and hypothyroidism, fatigue is the common symptom. The exact condition causing fatigue can be diagnosed by lab tests. Counselling therapy, exercise, and proper resolution of sleep problems can help in relieving the CFS. Exercise that starts at a very low intensity and increases very gradually over time may be helpful in improving long-term function. This book contains some path-breaking studies related to CFS. It provides significant information of the clinical aspects of chronic fatigue syndrome to help develop a good understanding for its diagnosis and treatment. Those with an interest in this field would find this book helpful.