Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Question 1

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome is a common condition that causes extreme fatigue, with no relief from rest. What is the incidence of this?

1 - 1.5 cases per 100,000
2 - 15 cases per 100,000
3 - 150 cases per 100,000
4 - 1500 cases per 100,000

Answer 1

2 - 15 cases per 100,000

Question 2

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome is a common condition that causes extreme fatigue, with no relief from rest. Is this more common in males or females?

Answer 2

• females
• 2:1 ratio

Question 3

Typically, what age does the incidence of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome occur?

1 - >80
2 - 50-60
3 - 30-40
4 - 10-20

Answer 3

3 - 30-40

Question 4

Although the exact cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is unknown, which of the following have been associated with it?

1 - viral illness
2 - depression
3 - genetics
4 - traumatic event (death)
5 - all of the above

Answer 4

chronic fatigue syndrome specialist services

Question 5

How is the diagnosis of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome typically performed?

1 - nerve studies
2 - head MRI
3 - antibody tests
4 - clinical diagnosis

Answer 5

4 - clinical diagnosis

Typically diagnosis of exclusion of other potential causes of fatigue

Question 6

Typically, how long do symptoms need to be present for in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome to receive a diagnosis?

1 - >6 weeks
2 - >16 weeks
3 - >6 months
4 - >12 months

Answer 6

1 - >6 weeks

> 4 weeks in children

Question 7

How many of the following must be present to be diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome?

• substantially impaired ADL for >six months accompanied by fatigue
• post-exertional malaise
• un-refreshing sleep despite adequate hours spent asleep

1 - all 3
2 - >2
3 - >1

Answer 7

1 - all 3

Also need 1 of the following:

Cognitive impairment affecting attention, memory, information processing speed or executive function.

Orthostatic intolerance manifested by lightheadedness, dizziness or fainting upon standing up.

Question 8

Patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome can have immunological manifestations. Which of the following is NOT typically a symptom patients present with?

1 - recurrent sore throat
2 - tender cervical or axillary lymph nodes
3 - muscle pain (myalgia)
4 - joint pain without swelling or redness (arthralgia)
5 - dermatological changes
6 - flu-like symptoms

Answer 8

5 - dermatological changes

Not common

Question 9

Patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome can have neurological manifestations. Which of the following is NOT typically a symptom patients present with?

1 - vision loss
2 - headaches
3 - photophobia
4 - phonophobia
5 - spatial instability
6 - disequilibrium and difficulties with balance and coordination.

Answer 9

1 - vision loss

Can present with blurred vision though

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a common presenting symptom in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome?

1 - cognitive impairment (memory, concentration, processing speed)
2 - cardiac arrhythmias
3 - sleep disturbances
4 - psychiatric manifestations (anxiety, depression)
5 - pain

Answer 10

2 - cardiac arrhythmias

Question 11

Which of the following is part of the management plan of patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome?

1 - referral to chronic fatigue syndrome specialist services
2 - self-management strategy (activity as patient feels up to it)
3 - CBT
4 - increase physical activity/exercise

Answer 11

4 - increase physical activity/exercise

Patients should only increase energy expenditure with advice from the chronic fatigue syndrome specialist services