What Is CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)?

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By Yhordan Serpentini | March 8, 2023

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a condition that has affected millions of people worldwide, due to its difficult diagnostic criteria that can leave healthcare providers and patients frustrated. In this blog post, we will explore the various tests used to diagnose CFS and their limitations, the importance of getting tested, and the signs and symptoms.

CFS

What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)?

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), is a complex and debilitating disorder that is characterized by profound fatigue not relieved by rest and can be worsened with physical or mental activities. Individuals with CFS also commonly experience muscle and joint pain, sleep disturbances, cognitive impairment, and other symptoms that can impact their quality of life.

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for CFS, as the disorder is not fully understood by medical professionals. However, while the exact cause of CFS is still unknown, researchers have identified several potential factors that could contribute to the development of the disorder. These include genetic predisposition, viral or bacterial infections, immune dysfunction, and environmental triggers.

Symptoms of CFS

The primary symptom being persistent fatigue that is not relieved by rest; however, this type of fatigue is different from everyday tiredness. It may feel like a crushing weight that makes it difficult to get out of bed, complete simple tasks, or socialize with others, and it’s often accompanied by other symptoms such as:

  • Muscle pain and weakness
  • Joint pain and swelling
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Cognitive problems such as memory loss, brain fog, and difficulty concentrating

These symptoms can appear suddenly or gradually and last for months or even years. Due to the nonspecific nature of these symptoms, it can be challenging to diagnose CFS accurately. People with CFS may undergo multiple tests and consultations with different specialists before receiving a proper diagnosis. However, there is no single definitive test for CFS, which further complicates the diagnostic process. A healthcare professional will typically evaluate a person’s medical history, symptoms, and test results to make an accurate diagnosis. They may also rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, such as fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, and Lyme disease.

It’s essential to work with a healthcare professional who is familiar with CFS and can provide you with appropriate guidance and support throughout your journey. Medical treatment for CFS may involve medications to manage symptoms–like joint pain or sleep disturbances–and cognitive-behavioral therapy to help alter negative thought patterns and behaviors that perpetuate the illness. Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management techniques may also improve symptoms. Some people may find complementary and alternative therapies helpful, such as acupuncture, yoga, and meditation.

The Role of Medical Tests

Given that chronic fatigue syndrome can be difficult to diagnose, medical tests are often used to help confirm the presence of CFS and rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. Blood tests may be used to help rule out infections, autoimmune disorders, and other potential causes of fatigue. Sleep studies, MRI scans, electroencephalography (EEG), and other imaging tests can help identify potential health issues that may be contributing to chronic fatigue.

The medical practices grow further with specific testing for CFS-related criteria that can be found through measuring T4 (Thyroxine) Total, Thyroxine, Free T4, Thyroid Stimulating Hormones (TSH), Lyme Disease Antibody, Early Antigen Ab, EBVs, Nuclear Antigen Ab, Platelet Ct, C Reactive Protein (hs-CRP), High Sensitivity, and more. The tests designed to measure these parameters will offer valuable laboratory results that can help your healthcare provider determine a proper diagnosis.

Test Results & What Comes After

While it is tempting to rely solely on test results as proof of a diagnosis, it’s important to interpret these results accurately and understand their limitations, and what your test results really mean. Note that a diagnosis of CFS is based on a combination of clinical symptoms and laboratory findings. This includes fatigue that lasts for more than six months, cognitive impairment, and other symptoms such as headaches and joint pain. That’s why we have diagnostic tests, like blood tests or imaging scans, to rule out potential causes of those symptoms–which may point toward CFS.

Make sure to fully comprehend that test results may not always accurately reflect a patient’s condition. False negatives are a possibility. For example, some CFS patients may have normal cortisol levels, despite experiencing chronic fatigue. False positives, on the other hand, may occur when a test indicates that a condition is present when it is not. This could result from a variety of factors such as an incorrect lab result, or normal variations within the body. Inconclusive results, where the test does not offer a clear indication of whether or not the condition is present, are also possible. Therefore, it is important to consider comprehensive testing as being crucial in diagnosing CFS. 

Since no single test is conclusive, doctors may use a combination of tests to determine if CFS is present or not. As an example, imaging tests may help rule out other medical conditions, while blood tests may measure hormone levels and metabolic function. If you receive test results on CFS, it is vital that you know what to expect in terms of follow-up testing, treatment options, and ongoing monitoring. Often, CFS therapy focuses on reducing symptoms such as improving sleep quality, increasing exercise, and working to reduce stress levels.

Need a fast and reliable CFS evaluation? Visit our Lab Tests page to book your Chronic Fatigue Syndrome appointment and get your sample collected for Testing; track your reports online and get notified when your reports are done, typically within 2-3 days.

Disclaimer: This blog is not intended to be medical advice

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