$Unique_ID{BRK00944} $Pretitle{} $Title{What is "The Chronic Fatigue Syndrome"?} $Subject{chronic fatigue syndrome CFS ill defined symptom symptoms tired tiredness fatigued fever joint muscle aches memory swollen glands sore throat headaches tricyclic antidepressants Barr-Epstein Virus behavior behaviors lifestyle lifestyles headache} $Volume{N-23} $Log{} Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc. What is "The Chronic Fatigue Syndrome"? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ QUESTION: Would you please discuss a condition called "The Chronic Fatigue Syndrome"? I am sure that is killing my daughter, but I have yet to find a doctor who understands just how serious this is or how to treat it. With all your research, you must surely have found out something that can help us. Please? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANSWER: I can understand your frustration and anxiety, for this syndrome is just as perplexing and difficult for physicians as well. To start with, a "syndrome" (rather than a "disease") merely refers to a group of symptoms that occur together, rather than a defined disease with a known cause and hopefully, a cure. For the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) the symptoms usually consist of tiredness and fatigue, that may vary in severity or duration, fever, joint and muscle aches, problems with memory, swollen glands, sore throat and headaches. All of these symptoms are very common; in fact, fatigue or tiredness is probably one of the most common complaints patients bring to their physicians. In addition not all patients who are diagnosed as suffering from CFS possess all the symptoms I've outlined. For some time, this syndrome was linked with infection by the Barr-Epstein Virus which causes mononucleosis, but recent studies have failed to confirm this relationship. Many patients with CFS have no sign of the virus, while others with no complaints at all show laboratory evidence of previous viral infection. The syndrome seems most common in women between the ages of 30 and 50, and can be severe enough in some patients to disrupt their professional and personal lives. While the medical literature contains conflicting reports, many physicians now find that their patients improve when placed on medications (tricyclic antidepressants) and when appropriate medications for pain, headaches and muscles aches are prescribed. Patients also do better when they understand that the syndrome is not a fatal or progressive disease, and when they continue to work with the physician. Your problem seems to be in finding a considerate and concerned physician who understands the problems of CFS and is willing to work with the patient. Keep searching, for I can assure you many such physicians do exist, and will help your daughter overcome. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.