Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disorder
which produces extreme and persistent fa-
tigue, does not improve with rest, and is not
caused directly by other diseases.
Causes
The specific cause of this disorder is not cu-
rrently known even though it is suspected
that it may be caused by a virus. According
to some theories, it could be caused by:
•
The Epstein-Barr or the human her-
pes viruses. Nevertheless, no speci-
fic virus has been identified in those
suffering from this disorder.
•
Inflammation of the nervous system
due to a defective response of the im-
mune system.
Other causes could play a determinant role
in the onset of this disease:
•
Age
•
A previous disease.
•
Stress.
•
The genetics of the sick individual.
•
Environmental factors.
a tiresome disease
This syndrome affects most frequently 30
to 50 year old women.
Symptoms
The main symptom of this diseases is ex-
cessive and persistent fatigue which does
not improve with rest, limits day-to-day ac-
tivities, has a negative impact on intellectual
and physical activity, and which lasts at least
six months.
Other symptoms:
•
Feeling extremely tired during more
than 24 hours after performing an
exercise normally considered to be
easy.
•
A sensation of heavy arms and legs.
•
Headache.
•
Low-grade fever.
•
Decreased memory and ability to con-
centrate.
•
Joint pains without swelling or red-
ness.
•
Insomnia, irritability and depression.
Diagnosis
There are no specific tests to confirm the
chronic fatigue syndrome diagnosis. The
general procedure is a normal exploration
with a negative response in all the tests per-
formed on the patient.
The disease is diagnosed after the physi-
cian rules out other possible causes of fati-
gue such as:
Chronic fatigue
syndrome,
Por el Dr. Román
Rodríguez Barrigüete
