Symptoms
Treatment of ME/CFS. There is no cure or approved treatment for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). However, some symptoms can be treated or managed. Treating these symptoms might provide relief for some patients with ME/CFS but not others. Other strategies, like learning new ways to manage activity, can also be helpful.
Causes
There's no single test to confirm a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome. Because the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome can mimic so many other health problems, you may need patience while waiting for a diagnosis. Your doctor must rule out a number of other illnesses before diagnosing chronic fatigue syndrome.
Prevention
Treating your depression can make it easier for you to cope with the problems associated with chronic fatigue syndrome. Low doses of some antidepressants can also help improve sleep and relieve pain. Orthostatic intolerance. Some people with chronic fatigue syndrome, particularly adolescents, feel faint or nauseated when they stand or sit upright.
Complications
There are no confirmatory tests, cures, or drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) specifically for ME/CFS.
Is there a cure for ME/CFS?
How is chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) diagnosed?
How do medications treat chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)?
Are there any FDA approved tests or treatments for ME/CFS?
What is the most effective intervention for chronic fatigue syndrome?
Conclusions. In patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, 31 different interventions show mixed results for effectiveness. Cognitive behavioural therapy and graded exercise therapy show the most promise.
What can be misdiagnosed as CFS?
They found that 40% of referrals to a specialist CFS service had an alternative diagnosis, most commonly primary sleep disorders (including obstructive sleep apnoea) and psychiatric disorders (including depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder).
Are there any new treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome?
There is no cure or approved treatment for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).
What medical specialist treats chronic fatigue syndrome?
Doctors might refer patients to see a specialist, like a neurologist, rheumatologist, or a sleep specialist, to check for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. These specialists might find other conditions that could be treated. Patients can have other conditions and still have ME/CFS.
Does myalgic encephalomyelitis show up on MRI?
Using radiologists' reporting, abnormal MRI scans were found to be correlated with low physical functions [44]; more abnormal scans were found in patients with ME/CFS but no psychiatric diagnosis, than in those with psychopathy and controls [45]; and patients with ME/CFS had more abnormal scans than healthy controls ( ...
What autoimmune causes fatigue?
Profound and debilitating fatigue is the most common complaint reported among individuals with autoimmune disease, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Is there hope for people with CFS?
To date, there has been no cure or treatment protocol, or even a way to test for the syndrome, but now a breakthrough by a team of scientists led by Columbia epidemiologist Mady Hornig may provide clinicians with a way to diagnose and treat chronic fatigue in its early stages.
Can Adderall be prescribed for chronic fatigue?
Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and the mixture of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall) are also prescribed to treat fatigue.
Can fasting cure CFS?
There is no evidence on the benefits or harms of fasting for ME and CFS patients. However, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting possible health benefits of water-only fasting to the microbiome, mitochondria and the immune system, and as a cancer adjuvant.
Is Me CFS classed as a disability?
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a hidden disability thought to affect over a quarter of a million people in the UK.
What blood tests should be done for fatigue?
A Fatigue Blood and Urine Test Panel includes a Complete Metabolic Panel (CMP-14), Complete Blood Count with Differentials, Iron with Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC), Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Sedimentation Rate, Westergren (SED), Urinalysis, Complete with Microscopic Examination.
What does a CFS crash feel like?
This is known as post-exertional malaise (PEM). People with ME/CFS often describe this experience as a “crash,” “relapse,” or “collapse.” During PEM, any ME/CFS symptoms may get worse or first appear, including difficulty thinking, problems sleeping, sore throat, headaches, feeling dizzy, or severe tiredness.
How to overcome CFS?
1. Rebuild your ability to concentrate. A common characteristic of CFS is an inability to concentrate on verbal, written, or visual information. Following directions, multitasking, or performing an action which requires a series of steps may become difficult or impossible.
What is the best medication for CFS?
Antidepressants have shown some promise in alleviating CFS. These medications can reduce pain and improve quality of sleep in addition to treating the depression that often accompanies CFS. [5] Klonopin, a prescription drug, can help concentration and remove the veil of “brain fog” often experienced by those with CFS.
How many people have CFS?
CFS has a low diagnosis rate, but approximately 1 in 250 people are afflicted with it. Doctors without a thorough understanding of CFS may misdiagnose it as depression, general anxiety disorder, or a psychosomatic illness.
What is the condition that leaves you exhausted?
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, or CFS, is a debilitating condition which leaves the afflicted individual with an ongoing feeling of exhaustion. Persons with CFS may be unable to perform even mundane activities which under normal circumstances present no problem.
How to improve concentration?
You can try either behavioral or medicinal treatments to rebuild your concentration levels. Behavioral concentration exercises encourage playing word puzzles or games. Crosswords, Scrabble, or similar games can make the process more fun. Getting an adequate amount of deep, restful sleep can help you focus. ...
What is group therapy for CFS?
Like CBT, group therapy offers the opportunity to share your experience with someone who cares. The difference is that you can listen to and learn from the experiences of others who are also suffering from CFS. This will help normalize the experience, and provide insight into other ways to deal with the illness.
Does alcohol affect CFS?
In CFS patients, their immune systems and liver are already operating at less than optimal performance. Alcohol can push the already compromised CFS body to the breaking point, with toxic alcohol spilling into the bloodstream and even more dramatically depressed levels of energy. ...
What antidepressants are prescribed for chronic fatigue syndrome?
The most common types of antidepressants prescribed for ME/CFS are SSRI/SNRIs and tricyclic agents. 8 .
How to help someone with chronic illness?
You may benefit by seeking psychological counseling to help address the emotions and stress that come with having a chronic illness that greatly impacts your lifestyle. In addition to seeing a therapist, you may find attending a support group beneficial.
What is the best way to reduce fatigue?
People also use it to attempt to reduce fatigue and increase energy. Massage, Reiki, and other bodywork: Gentle massage may help with relaxation, lowering anxiety and improving sleep. Qigong: This is a traditional Chinese practice to improve the movement of energy (qi or chi) through the body.
What is the best patch for pain?
Some of the common ones are Capzasin ( capsaicin ), Tiger Balm (camphor and menthol), Aspercreme (trolamine salicylate), BiOFREEZE (menthol USP), and Salonpas patches (camphor, menthol, and methyl salicylate). Because they only work where you put them, rubs and patches are best used for localized pain. Always use them as directed.
How to relax your feet?
You can take a warm or cool bath or just soak your feet. Epsom salts added to bath water is a traditional folk remedy used by many. Heat is a great option for relaxing tight muscles, especially for people who are frequently cold and may have a hard time warming up.
Can fatigue cause you to overheat?
Heating and Cooling. Some people with chronic fatigue syndrome experience temperature sensitivity and have a tendency to overheat and have trouble cooling down. There are many cooling products available, as well as heating products. You can take a warm or cool bath or just soak your feet.
Is there a treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome?
There is no standard treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome, clinically known as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). However, there are many options for managing symptoms and improve quality of life, including lifestyle changes, stress management, therapy, and medications. With the help of a doctor ...
How to deal with chronic illness?
Counseling. Talking with a counselor can help build coping skills to deal with chronic illness, address limitations at work or school, and improve family dynamics. It can also be helpful for managing depression. Addressing sleep problems. Sleep deprivation can make other symptoms more difficult to deal with.
What are the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome?
To meet the Institute of Medicine's diagnostic criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome, a person would also need to experience at least one of these two symptoms: Difficulties with memory, focus and concentration. Dizziness that worsens with moving from lying down or sitting to standing.
How long does fatigue last?
This is called post-exertional malaise and it can last for days or weeks after the exertion.
What are the symptoms of fatigue?
Be thorough. While fatigue may be affecting you most, other symptoms — such as memory problems or headaches — also are important to share with your doctor. Key personal information. Recent changes or major stressors in your life can play a very real role in your physical well-being.
How to prevent deconditioning?
Exercise. Aggressive exercise regimens often lead to worsened symptoms, but maintaining activities that are tolerated is important to prevent deconditioning. Exercise regimens that start at a very low intensity and increase very gradually over time may be helpful in improving long-term function.
How to treat sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea can be treated by using a machine that delivers air pressure through a mask while you sleep. Exercise.
Can fatigue syndrome cause depression?
It's also common for people who have chronic fatigue syndrome to also have other health problems at the same time, such as sleep disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, depression or anxiety. In fact, there are so many overlapping symptoms between chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia that some researchers consider ...
Who can manage ME/CFS?
Because ME/CFS is a complicated illness, its management may require input from a variety of medical professionals, such as rheumatologists, neurologists, or infectious disease specialists. Primary care providers can develop effective treatment plans. ME/CFS treatment plans vary, as they are developed with input from patients, caregivers, ...
Why is it important to treat post-exertional malaise?
Helping patients get relief from symptoms and achieve improvement in quality of life are the main goals of treatment. In working toward these goals, it is important to prevent harm that can occur from triggering post-exertional malaise. It is also important to acknowledge the clinical significance of the condition and to validate ...
Can ME/CFS change over time?
Since ME/CFS can be unpredictable and can change over time, evaluation of each patient’s condition at scheduled intervals is warranted. As with many chronic illnesses, the length of intervals between visits might vary from patient to patient and depends on the severity and degree of symptom improvement and control.
Is there a test for ME/CFS?
There are no confirmatory tests, cures, or drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) specifically for ME/CFS. While some patients and healthcare providers have reported improvement in ME/CFS after the use of off-label or unlicensed medications, the efficacy of these medicines has not been tested in multiple, large, well-controlled clinical trials. Patients benefit from talking with their healthcare providers about potential therapies, including the risks and expense of unproven treatments. Patients also benefit from thorough medical evaluations and good clinical care.
Treating CFS and fibromyalgia: rechecking the basics
When giving lectures, I'm sometimes approached by people who say they've tried everything for their CFS or fibromyalgia - but nothing helps.
Part 1: Recheck the Basics
Part 1 includes the first 10 of 30 treatments to try "when all else fails" - and a lot of these focus on sleep.
Sleep
Start by trying the following four treatments. If they fail to work, move on to the numbered steps below:
What is the treatment for CFS?
Cognitive behavioral therapy. According to the cognitive-behavioural model of CFS, it is the patient's interpretation of symptoms that primarily shapes their behaviour and perpetuates the illness, and that changing these can lead to complete recovery.
What is CBT in CFS?
CBT was done on the basis of the fear avoidance theory of chronic fatigue syndrome. This theory regards CFS as being reversible and that cognitive responses (fear of engaging in activity) and behavioural responses (avoidance of activity) are linked and interact with physiological processes to perpetuate fatigue.
What essential oils are used for post viral fatigue syndrome?
A randomized controlled trial on patients diagnosed with post viral fatigue syndrome (PVFS) and deficient RBC levels, using essential fatty acids consisting of evening primrose oil containing n-6 GLA together with fishoil concentrate containing n-3 EPA and DHA showed significant overall improvement in symptoms and RBC essential fatty acid levels. However a subsequent RCT trying to replicate this study found no significant differences between the treatment and placebo group after treatment, and no significant differences in pre-treatment red-cell membrane lipids between the two groups. The different results may be explained by the patient selection: the first trial tested people with PVFS, whereas the second used the Oxford criteria for CFS. Also, the first trial used paraffin while the second trial used sunflower oil which is better tolerated and less likely to adversely affect the placebo group.
Does CBT reduce fatigue?
A 2010 meta-analysis of trials that objectively measured physical activity before and after CBT showed that although CBT effectively reduced patients' fatigue questionnaire scores, activity levels were not improved by CBT and changes in physical activity were not related to changes in fatigue questionnaire scores.
Can CFS patients use alternative medicine?
Alternative medicine. People with CFS may use more alternative medicine treatments than people without CFS. In a twin study, 91% of twins with CFS and 71% without CFS used at least one alternative treatment. A large proportion of the study participants said alternative treatments were helpful.
Is CFS cured?
Treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is variable and uncertain, and the condition is primarily managed rather than cured. Only two treatments, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and graded exercise therapy (GET), have demonstrated reproducible evidence for their efficacy in people with CFS who are walking.
Is exercise therapy a cure for CFS?
A 2012 systematic review on exercise therapy for CFS reported that exercise therapy is not a cure for CFS. The authors stated that "Despite the consistent positive outcomes of exercise therapy studies for CFS, full recovery from CFS is rare. In addition, exercise therapy is not a sole treatment for people with CFS.
How long does fatigue last in ME?
ME is a complex disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that lasts for at least six months and that can't be fully explained by an underlying medical condition. 1 The fatigue worsens with physical or mental activity but doesn't improve by resting.
What are the results of the November study?
The results from the November study may also allow healthcare providers to potentially predict how patients will respond to certain medications, which could help them make treatment more personalized (and hopefully more effective) in the future. 2 The findings were published in the journal Scientific Reports.
Home Remedies and Lifestyle
Over-The-Counter Therapies
Prescriptions
Therapy
Complementary Medicine
Diagnosis
- These products can help you manage some of your symptoms, but be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you are reaching for them often.
Treatment
- While healthcare providers prescribe medications for chronic fatigue syndrome, none of them is FDA-approved for treating the condition. Usually, these drugs are intended to manage symptoms. In addition to the below, some healthcare providers also prescribe ADD/ADHD medications for treating ME/CFS.
Alternative Medicine
- It can be hard to accept health-imposed changes to your life. Many find psychological counseling and therapy helpful in addressing the impacts of chronic fatigue—not just mentally, but physically too.
Coping and Support
- Most complementary/alternative treatment methods aren't well researched for ME/CFS. Some people report success with them, while others do not. These treatments include: 1. Acupuncture: Various forms of acupuncture may help some people with pain management. People also use it to attempt to reduce fatigue and increase energy. 2. Massage, Reiki, and o...
Preparing For Your Appointment