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Sub-Category:

Fatigue Syndromes

Number of Conditions: 1

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

Specialty: Orthopedics and Rheumatology

Category: Rheumatologic Conditions

Sub-category: Fatigue Syndromes

Symptoms:
persistent, unexplained fatigue that does not improve with rest; sleep disturbances; muscle pain and joint pain; headaches; difficulty concentrating (often referred to as "brain fog")

Root Cause:
The exact cause is unknown, but it is believed to involve immune system dysfunction, viral infections, or hormonal imbalances. It is thought to be a complex disorder involving multiple systems of the body.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on symptoms and exclusion of other conditions. No specific tests; blood tests may be conducted to rule out other causes.

Treatment:
Symptom management with pain relievers, antidepressants, and anti-inflammatory medications. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and graded exercise therapy. Sleep management strategies. Lifestyle changes to manage fatigue and improve quality of life.

Medications:
Antidepressants such as fluoxetine (SSRI) to help manage pain and mood disorders. Pain relievers, such as NSAIDs or acetaminophen , for muscle and joint pain. Sleep aids, like melatonin or low-dose amitriptyline , for improving sleep quality.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 0.2-2% of the population worldwide, with a higher incidence in women.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age (most common in adults between 40-60 years). Gender (more common in women). Stressful events or trauma. Viral infections (e.g., Epstein-Barr virus).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Symptoms are often lifelong, but severity can fluctuate. With treatment, many people experience improvement in symptoms.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe disruption of daily life and career. Co-occurring conditions like depression and anxiety. Reduced ability to perform daily activities or maintain relationships.