Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Though it was not until 1988 that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognized chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), diagnosed symptoms date back to the mid 1700s work of physician Sir Richard Manningham.

Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is characterized by profound fatigue lasting more than six months. Bed rest does not improve energy levels, and physical and mental activity usually worsens the fatigue. In addition to being fatigued, other symptoms such as muscle weakness and pain, impaired mental ability, insomnia, and sore throat are common in people suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome.

It's Tough Being a Woman
Women are diagnosed for chronic fatigue syndrome two to four times more often than men.

Possible Causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

For years, doctors believed CFS to be a result of the same virus that causes mononucleosis, the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), but many people diagnosed with CFS do not have evidence of EBV. However, doctors still suspect a viral cause for chronic fatigue syndrome because the symptoms of CFS are very similar to that of a viral infection. Some possible causes of chronic fatigue syndrome are listed below.

Mitochondria: Seventy percent of people with CFS have been shown to have defective mitochondria in their cell.

Reduced blood flow: Enlarged, misshapen blood cells combined with smaller capillary size decrease the body's ability to transport oxygen within the circulatory system. Lack of oxygen may explain discomfort caused by tissue deterioration in CFS patients. The small capillaries in the central nervous system (CNS) are more susceptible to change in blood molecule size and shape. Diagnostic scans on the hypothalamus in the brain show patterns of reduced blood flow in CFS patients, breaking down CNS functioning, and nerve signal processing.

Neuroendocrine dysfunction: Ion channels responsible for the process of conduction between the hypothalamus (responsible for hormone regulation) and the brain stem show signs of abnormalities in patients with CFS. There may be a correlation between these abnormalities, impaired blood flow, and regenerative functions in the body.

Viruses: A common history of many CFS patients is the development of severe illnesses before the onset of CFS. Research continues to draw connections between CFS and patients infected with different strains of herpes, enteroviruses or retroviruses. CFS could be a reaction and biological breakdown in the immune system after infection with these relatively common viruses.

Dietary deficiencies: Low levels of L-carnitine and acetyl L-carnitine are common in CFS patients.

Environmental toxins: Some research points to environmental contamination as the cause of CFS symptoms.

Stress: While it is clear that emotional and physical stresses do amplify CFS symptoms, there is no biological evidence to support either as causes of chronic fatigue syndrome. Tests done on CFS and depression patients show differences in neurological functioning and body chemistry that exclude a relation of the two.

Needless to say, if you believe that you may have chronic fatigue syndrome, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.