| A chronic fatigue syndrome symptom list has | | | | This chronic fatigue syndrome symptom list is |
| been published by the CDC for research and | | | | purely a guideline for an initial medical diagnosis. As |
| clinical purposes but as anyone who has suffered | | | | CFS does not have any medical tests or physical |
| from or more likely continues to suffer from | | | | signs to note it is generally diagnosed by ruling out |
| chronic fatigue syndrome it is an extremely | | | | all of the other medical conditions which carry |
| difficult condition to diagnose. | | | | similar symptoms. |
| However, in an attempt to enable physicians to | | | | Conditions which display similar symptoms are |
| work from an initial template the most common | | | | mononucleosis, Lyme disease, lupus, multiple |
| diagnosis criteria involves the following set of | | | | sclerosis, fibromyalgia, primary sleep disorders, |
| symptoms. | | | | severe obesity and major depressive disorders, all |
| 1. A recent onset of persistent fatigue for no | | | | of which can all be ruled out by medical testing, in |
| apparent reason which cannot be completely | | | | which case chronic fatigue syndrome is diagnosed |
| relieved by rest and relaxation and results in much | | | | and treatment can begin. |
| lower than normal levels of activity. | | | | It is also possible to display CFS symptoms as a |
| 2. 4 or more of the following symptoms which | | | | result of certain medications but this can be ruled |
| have been present for at least 6 months. | | | | out very quickly as patients generally know what |
| Lack of substantial recovery of energy from | | | | they've taken. It is not uncommon to compare |
| sleep. | | | | the symptoms of taking certain antibiotics and |
| Frequent or recurring sore throat. | | | | chronic fatigue syndrome. |
| Muscle Pain. | | | | The complexity of diagnosing CFS is compounded |
| Tender Lymph nodes. | | | | by the fact that the severity of symptoms can |
| Difficulty concentrating or remembering. | | | | vary a great deal from case to case. 4 in 1000 |
| Prolonged exhaustion following exertion. | | | | Americans suffer from CFS. 20 per cent work full |
| Joint pain. | | | | time, 50 per cent unable to work and the |
| Headaches more extreme than usual or different | | | | remainder limited in what work they can do. |
| in intensity. | | | | |