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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Abstract

You are reading a NORD Rare Disease Report Abstract. NORD’s full collection of reports on over 1200 rare diseases is available to subscribers (click here for details). We are now also offering full Rare Disease reports to visitors who register on our website, for free. If you have already registered or if you are a subscriber, clicking the link to view the full report will give you an opportunity to log in. You will also be able to register or to reset your password. Registration is free and we do not share your information with anyone else, but you are limited to two full reports a day.

NORD is very grateful to K. Kimberly McCleary, President & CEO, The CFIDS Association of America, for assistance in the preparation of this report.

Synonyms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

  • CFIDS
  • CFS
  • Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome

Disorder Subdivisions

  • No subdivisions found.

General Discussion

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complex disorder characterized by profound fatigue and other related symptoms. Standards for the diagnosis of CFS have been defined by researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These include excessive fatigue that does not respond to bed rest, combined with four or more of the following symptoms: substantial impairment in short-term memory or concentration; sore throat; tender lymph nodes; muscle pain; pain in multiple joints without redness or stiffness; headaches of a new type, pattern or severity; unrefreshing sleep; and a general feeling of ill health (malaise) for up to 24 hours after exertion.

Chronic fatigue syndrome has generated significant debate and controversy in the medical community. It remains a poorly understood and potentially debilitating illness. Scientists believe chronic fatigue syndrome is not contagious and that multiple factors including immunological, genetic, environmental ones working in combination cause the development of chronic fatigue syndrome. Laboratory tests (blood, urine, etc.) are of little value in diagnosing the syndrome.

Organizations related to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

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