x Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is the most common name used to designate a significantly debilitating medical disorder or group of disorders generally defined by persistent fatigue accompanied by other specific symptoms for a minimum of six months in adults (and 3 months in children/adolescents), not due to ongoing exertion, not substantially relieved by rest, and not caused by other medical conditions.

Four or more of the following symptoms that last six months or longer:

• Impaired memory or concentration
• Post-exertional malaise, where physical or mental exertions bring on "extreme, prolonged exhaustion and sickness"
• Unrefreshing sleep
• Muscle pain (myalgia)
• Pain in multiple joints (arthralgia)
• Headaches of a new kind or greater severity
• Sore throat, frequent or recurring
• Tender lymph nodes (cervical or axillary)

Other common symptoms include:

• Irritable bowel, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea or bloating
• Chills and night sweats
• Brain fog
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Chronic cough
• Visual disturbances (blurring, sensitivity to light, eye pain or dry eyes)
• Allergies or sensitivities to foods, alcohol, odors, chemicals, medications or noise
• Difficulty maintaining upright position (orthostatic instability, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, balance problems or fainting)
• Psychological problems (depression, irritability, mood swings, anxiety, panic attacks)^[8]