The Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
 

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Article #2: CFS Symptoms

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According to the 1994 Fukuda temperature. Many CFS patients frequently
definition[2] there are eight main run a low fever, or report fever-like
categories of symptoms in CFS: symptoms (sweating, feeling too hot or
Fatigue: People with CFS experience cold, etc.) without measurable fever
profound, overwhelming exhaustion, both temperature.
mental and physical, which is worsened by Sleep problems: "Unrefreshing sleep" and
exertion, and is not relieved (or not rest is a hallmark of CFS, and insomnia
completely relieved) by rest. To receive is also common. Maintaining a sleep
a diagnosis of CFS, this fatigue state schedule is extremely difficult for many
must last for six months. patients. Vivid, "feverish" dreams are a
Pain: Pain in CFS may include muscle symptom in many people with CFS,
pain, joint pain (without joint swelling exacerbating disturbed sleep patterns.
or redness, and may be transitory), Patients report that exercise, unlike in
headaches (particularly of a new type, healthy persons, worsens the insomnia and
severity, or duration), lymph node pain, unrefreshing sleep symptoms alike.
sore throats, and abdominal pain (often Psychological/Psychiatric symptoms:
as a symptom of irritable bowel emotional lability, anxiety, depression,
syndrome). Patients also report; bone, irritability, and sometimes a curious
eye and testicular pain, neuralgia and emotional "flattening" (most likely due
painful skin sensitivity. Chest pain has to exhaustion), may manifest in CFS
been attributed variously to patients. Many of these symptoms can be
microvascular disease or cardiomyopathy directly caused by the CFS mechanism or,
by researchers, and many patients also in some cases, may be secondary symptoms
report painful tachycardia. created by the syndrome, as many chronic
Cognitive problems: people with CFS may pain or illness patients also show
experience forgetfulness, confusion, similar psychiatric issues. CFS patients
difficulty thinking, concentration with pre-existing psychiatric symptoms
difficulties, and "mental fatigue" or may report that these worsen with the
"brain fog". Additional signs may be onset of CFS. Treatment for psychiatric
experienced; in the 2003 Canadian symptoms alone does not relieve the
Definition these include aphasia, physical symptoms of CFS, indicating that
agnosia, and loss of cognitive body the disease is not psychological in
map[7][8]. nature.
Hypersensitivity: people with CFS are Disturbances in the autonomic nervous
often sensitive to light, sound, and system and hormones:
multiple chemicals and foods. Many CFS People with CFS often have abnormalities
patients report an increase in in the autonomic nervous system such as
allergic-type sensitivity to foods, low blood volume, orthostatic
scents, and chemicals, and many also intolerance, dizziness and
report a sensitivity to medications, light-headedness, especially when
which can complicate treatment. Patients standing up quickly.
with pre-existing allergies, asthma, and Hormonal abnormalities may include
similar conditions often report a abnormal vasopressin metabolism and a
worsening of symptoms. Sensory overload blunted ACTH response, leading to
is commonly reported by patients, leading hypothyroidism and/or low cortisol and
to increased fatigue and even migraine or reduced ability to respond to
seizures. physiological and emotional stress.
Poor temperature control: people with CFS Patients sometimes show abnormally low
often report either feeling too hot or levels of testosterone, growth hormone
too cold, possibly due to involvement of and other important hormones.
the hypothalamus, which regulates body






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