Condition Lookup
Category:
Chronic Conditions
Number of Conditions: 1
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis)
Specialty: Infectious Diseases
Category: Chronic Conditions
Sub-category: Neurological and Immunological Disorders
Symptoms:
persistent fatigue; muscle and joint pain; headaches; memory issues; unrefreshing sleep; post-exertional malaise
Root Cause:
The cause is unclear but may involve immune dysfunction, viral triggers, hormonal imbalances, and mitochondrial dysfunction.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Based on clinical criteria, excluding other conditions through tests like blood panels, thyroid function tests, and brain imaging when needed.
Treatment:
Treatment focuses on symptom management using a multidisciplinary approach, including cognitive behavioral therapy, graded exercise therapy, and lifestyle adjustments.
Medications:
Pain relievers (NSAIDs), antidepressants (SSRIs or SNRIs), and sleep aids like amitriptyline . These belong to analgesics, psychotropics, and sedatives.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects about 1-2 million people in the U.S., with women more commonly affected.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Viral infections, stress, hormonal changes, genetic predisposition, and trauma.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis varies; some individuals experience improvement, but others may have chronic symptoms requiring lifelong management.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Social isolation, depression, and an inability to perform daily tasks or maintain employment.