Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)?

It can start with a condition that usually results in a substantial reduction of previous levels of occupational, educational, social, physical, sexual, or personal activities. You feel fatigued, and tired and do not feel energetic. Symptoms usually last longer than six months and can include memory loss, inability to concentrate, mild fever, sore throat, tender lymph nodes, unexplained muscle or joint pain, headaches, non-restorative sleep, and depression.

Medical Conditions Associated with CFS?

Many viral infections, hypothyroidism, endocrine disorders, fibromyalgia, depression, anxiety, anemia, mononucleosis, sleep apnea, and autoimmune diseases can present with fatigue. It is unclear whether these diseases alone or an underlying predisposition, result in the chronic nature of CFS following the original trigger.

How Common is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)?

Unexplained, persistent fatigue is quite common in the United States. Up to 33% of patients in primary care settings complain of fatigue and fatigue-related symptoms. Of those, roughly two-thirds will be diagnosed with a specific disease or condition causing fatigue; one-third will have unexplained chronic fatigue. In many cases, fatigue may be triggered by an underlying medical condition, but the prolonged nature of ME/CFS makes it a unique diagnosis. Unlike normal fatigue, the fatigue of ME/CFS does not improve with rest and can limit a patient’s ability to complete normal activities. Testing for conditions that may have triggered ME/CFS is often the first step in improving symptoms and quality of life.

Testing for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The ME/CFS Profile is a simple blood test that identifies certain diseases that may be the underlying cause of symptoms. Antibodies, or markers, associated with conditions such as autoimmune diseases, thyroid disease, Lyme disease, viral infections, and anemia are measured. In some cases, one of these tests will be positive, suggesting a known condition may have triggered your persistent fatigue. However, in some cases, no underlying disease can be identified.

When to Get Tested

Most people with new-onset fatigue are usually advised to change their lifestyles, including diet, exercise habits, and stress levels, to see if such changes can improve symptoms. Should those fail, a visit to a primary care provider typically results in a trial of treatments to address sleep issues or mental health concerns. If symptoms persist, and a diagnosis cannot be made, patients may wish to discuss diagnostic testing using the third-party Lab for Chronic Fatigue Profile with Dr. Malhotra. There is no single test that can diagnose Chronic Fatigue. Instead, your physician may need to rule out other causes of persistent fatigue before providing a diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue or tiredness. Make an appointment to consult with Dr. Nema Malhotra to confirm if the testing is right for you and determine a holistic treatment plan.

Contact Us  for Chronic Fatigue

(408) 684-8600