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Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), post-viral fatigue syndrome (PVFS), and various other names, is a syndrome (or group of syndromes) of unknown and possibly multiple etiologies, affecting the central nervous system (CNS), immune, and many other systems and organs. There is no simple diagnostic test; CFS is a diagnosis of exclusion, although recent research indicates biological hallmarks of the syndrome, and a diagnostic test is predicted soon. Most definitions (other than the 1991 UK Oxford criteria) require a number of features, the most common being severe mental and physical exhaustion or depletion which is "unrelieved by rest" (according to the 1994 Fukuda definition), and is often worsened by even trivial exertion (controversially, the Oxford and Fukuda criteria require this to be optional only). CFS occurs more often, but not exclusively, in women, possibly due to immunological factors (women are overall more susceptible to similar disorders). CFS is most easily diagnosed when formerly active adults become ill, but it has been reported in persons of all ages, including young children and particularly teenagers.

Patients with this diagnosis commonly report many other symptoms which are far more onerous than these research diagnostic criteria; including pain, muscle weakness, loss of brain function, hypersensitivity, orthostatic intolerance, digestive disturbances, depression, immune system weakness, and cardiac and respiratory problems. These symptoms, like the syndrome's hallmark 'fatigue', range from mild to life-threateningly severe. Some cases resolve or improve over time, and where available, treatments bring a degree of improvement to many others. Most diagnostic criteria insist that these symptoms must be present for at least six months, and all insist on there being no other cause for the fatigue: i.e. the fatigue must be idiopathic, not caused by conditions such as radiation treatment for cancer, or diabetes. CFS remains a controversial diagnosis, and even its terminology and classification are controversial.

History


Originally studied since the late 1930s as an immunological neurological disorder under the medical term "myalgic encephalomyelitis" (ME), CFS has been classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a disease of the central nervous system since 1969. In 1992 and early 1993 the terms "post-viral fatigue syndrome" (PVFS) and "chronic fatigue syndrome" (CFS) were added to ME under the exclusive ICD-10 designation of G93.3.

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The Enigma of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Chronic fatigue syndrome – a terrible disease in which seemingly healthy ... http://bit.ly/6pl15U
ChronicFatigue1 (Chronic Fatigue) Tue, 15 Dec 2009 04:55:12 -0000
The Enigma of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Chronic fatigue syndrome – a terrible disease in which seemingly healthy ... http://bit.ly/6pl15U
Do individuals who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome get energy ...: I have been suffering from extreme fati.. http://bit.ly/4Bj1c6
mailtosabrina (sabrina) Tue, 15 Dec 2009 04:54:03 -0000
Do individuals who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome get energy ...: I have been suffering from extreme fati.. http://bit.ly/4Bj1c6
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome http://ping.fm/9Ucfl
skysupply (skysupply) Tue, 15 Dec 2009 02:54:00 -0000
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome http://ping.fm/9Ucfl
The Enigma of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: And the treatment itself, as it were “from all”: anti-depressants, anti... http://bit.ly/6pl15U
ChronicFatigue1 (Chronic Fatigue) Tue, 15 Dec 2009 02:40:43 -0000
The Enigma of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: And the treatment itself, as it were “from all”: anti-depressants, anti... http://bit.ly/6pl15U
The Enigma of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome http://bit.ly/8d5Rkz
cronfitsyn (CronFitSyn) Tue, 15 Dec 2009 01:43:57 -0000
The Enigma of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome http://bit.ly/8d5Rkz
Christmas Coping With Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: We're getting close to Christmas, and (as usual), I'... http://bit.ly/4A7sYT
ChronicFatigue1 (Chronic Fatigue) Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:42:51 -0000
Christmas Coping With Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: We're getting close to Christmas, and (as usual), I'... http://bit.ly/4A7sYT

 
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Young Adult Guide to FMS - A personal account of life as a teenager with fibromyalgia. Includes sections on relationships, school, driving, work, and treatment.
Meta Description: [ Information and support for teens and young adults with Fibromyalgia Syndrome. ]

Action for M.E. - Provides information and advice as well as real life experiences by young people.
Meta Description: [ a4M.E is Action for M.E.’s website for children and young people affected by M.E. We campaign for more research, better services and treatments. We provide information and support to people affected by M.E. ]

CFS in Youth - The CFIDS Association of America explains how the condition affects young people. Includes FAQ, teen guidebook, and suggestions for coping.

Friends International Support Group - Moderated forum for youth with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain. Share stories, ask questions, and talk about what life is like.
Meta Description: [ Friends International Support Group for people with Fibromyalgia, FMS, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, CFIDS, CFS, ME and chronic pain, backpain, offer upbeat conversation and support, information links and research. ]

Good MORning CEEfids - Humorous look at what it takes to get from bed to breakfast from a woman with CFS.

My Journal - A diary kept by a teenage girl of her experiences with CFS during 2002 and 2003.

The Pediatric Network - Features articles, explanations, personal stories, and advice from teenagers and their families. Covers CFS, fibromyalgia, and similar conditions.
Meta Description: [ Library and forum about pediatric chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, neurally mediated hypotension, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, and dysautonomia ]

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