brand-logo

Chronic fatigue syndrome

Very low urgency
--
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease that combines symptoms and clinical signs that manifest primarily through extreme tiredness that does not abate with rest or with sleep, and worsens with physical activity and stress. It is not known what causes this disease, although it has been reported in many cases as being related to other diseases. It manifests as extreme tiredness that persists for a long period of time and limits a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks, and is associated with other symptoms such as aching muscles, joint pain, memory disorders, headache, sore throat, inflammation of the nodes, sleep disturbance, etc. A detailed medical history must be taken and a full physical examination must be performed. It is a diagnosis of exclusion. There is no cure for this disease, so treatment is based on symptom control.
Bibliographic references
  1. Stephen J Gluckman. Clinical features and diagnosis of systemic exertion intolerance disease (chronic fatigue syndrome). UpToDate. Jul 30, 2015.
  2. Smith MEB, Nelson HD, Haney E, Pappas M, Daeges M, Wasson N, McDonagh M. Diagnosis and Treatment of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Evidence Report/Technology Assessment No. 219. (Prepared by the Pacific Northwest Evidence-based Practice Center under Contract No. 290-2012-00014-I.) AHRQ Publication No. 15-E001-EF. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; December 2014. www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/reports/final/cfm.
  3. Haney E, Smith ME, McDonagh M, et al. Diagnostic Methods for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Systematic Review for a National Institutes of Health Pathways to Prevention Workshop. Ann Intern Med 2015; 162:834.
  4. Green CR, Cowan P, Elk R, et al. National Institutes of Health Pathways to Prevention Workshop: Advancing the Research on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Ann Intern Med 2015; 162:860.
  5. IOM (Institute of Medicine). Beyond Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Redefining an Illness. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press; 2015 http://www.iom.edu/mecfs (Accessed on February 12, 2015).
  6. Jeffrey M. Gelfand, Vanja C. Douglas. Fatiga. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 1. 19º Edición. 151:153.
Author
Dr. Elvira Moreno
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Tiredness / fatigue

    Fatigue compels bed rest

    Difficulty concentrating

    Widespread muscle pain

    Memory deficit

Symptoms to watch out for

Pessimistic view of life or the future
Inability to stay awake during the day
Hoarseness
Loss of appetite
Darkening of the skin
Fever (temperature higher than 100.4 ºF)

Self-care

If you have pain, use over-the-counter pain relievers.
Get regular physical activity at least 3 times a week that is appropriate for your age and physical condition.
Eat a balanced diet: increase consumption of fruits, vegetables, and white meats, and reduce consumption of fatty and fried foods.
Mediktor logo