Chronic fatigue syndrome

Question 1

When is chronic fatigue syndrome diagnoses

Answer 1

Diagnosed after at least 3 months of disabling fatigue affecting mental and physical function >50% of time in absence of other diseases which may explain symptoms

Question 1

What is the epidemiology

Answer 1

more common in females
past psychiatric history has not been shown to be a risk factor

Question 2

What may someone present with

Answer 2

Fatigue is the central feature - other features are

• insomnia,hypersomnia,unrefreshing sleep

muscle /joint pain

headaches

painful lymph nodes with no enlargement

sore throat

cognitive dysfunction

general malaise

dizziness

nausea

palpitations

Question 3

What investigations are required

Answer 3

Large number of screening blood tests to exclude other pathology

-FBC
-U&Es
LFT
Glucose
TFT
ESR
CRP
calcium
CK
ferritin
urinalysis

Question 4

What does management involve

Answer 4

refer to specialist CFS service if diagnostic criteria met ]

• energy management

-physical activity/ excerise
only should be done within a programme overseen by an ME/CFS team

• cognitive behavioural therapy
• this is supportive not curative