Common Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
The most apparent symptom of chronic fatigue is, just as the name implies, fatigue. Patients report that the level of fatigue is far from ordinary like one might experience after a few nights of poor sleep. Chronic fatigue is an overwhelming sense of exhaustion and energy loss that prevents a person from functioning and standing.
Some chronic fatigue can be explained as a side effect of other conditions, such as Lyme disease, Long-COVID, autoimmune disorders, cancer, and other chronic conditions. However, this differs from chronic fatigue syndrome or myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome is a multisystem disease that causes severe fatigue, impaired cognitive function, serious sleep problems, autonomic dysfunction, and fatigue after exercise or standing. The condition may be caused by viruses, including Epstein Barr, the herpes virus (HHV)-6, parvovirus B-19, or mononucleosis.
Fatigue is one of three mandatory symptoms required for a diagnosis. The other two include malaise after exertion and feeling tired after sleep. This complex multisystem neurological disease leads to brain inflammation, which is why seeing a physician with a neurological specialty is useful. Beyond fatigue, sleep, and exertion, the patient typically also shows one or both of the following:
- Cognitive impairment, whereby thoughts or executive function worsens with exertion, effort, stress, or time pressure.
- Orthostatic intolerance includes worsening symptoms when upright, and symptoms may improve by lying back down or elevating the feet.
Physicians who treat ME/CFS say that individuals with the condition show signs of increased oxidative stress, alterations in neurotransmitter responses, neurocognition problems, and neuroendocrine system abnormalities.
Common Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Each person differs in how they react; however, in addition to extreme fatigue and malaise, other symptoms can point to ME/CFS, including:
- Fatigue and exhaustion with exertion and standing,
- Nausea and vomiting,
- Night sweats and lack of sleep,
- Uncontrolled anxiety and panic attacks,
- Memory decline,
- Poor concentration ability,
- Decreased attention span,
- Depression and mood disorders
- Muscle and joint pain (fibromyalgia)
- Headaches,
- Swollen and tender lymph nodes,
- Sore throat,
- Gastrointestinal problems,
- Food and alcohol intolerances.
Chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms can be debilitating and fluctuate between remission and relapses. Chronic fatigue and ME/CFS treatments are multifactorial and require close monitoring. Patients who successfully cope with ME/CFS have a strong relationship with an experienced healthcare provider. This means finding a physician that you can trust, who listens and understands that the symptoms are genuine. While there is no quick resolution, an experienced provider can find ways to maximize a person’s quality of life.
Don’t hesitate to contact our clinic Restoration Healthcare if you suspect you have any of these persistent and life-altering conditions and live in the Los Angeles area. Our team of physicians uses an integrative approach to treating complex chronic illnesses. Request a patient packet today. Call us at (949) 404-3022 for more details
