Chronic fatigue syndrome

Question 1

What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Answer 1

Continued severe tiredness not relieved by rest

Question 2

What is CFS also known as?

Answer 2

• Myalgic encephalomyelitis (inflammation of brain and spinal cord) or Tapanui ‘flu

Question 3

Demographics:

Answer 3

Most common in women aged 30-50

Question 4

Aetiology

Answer 4

Unknown

Question 5

Signs and symptoms of CFS:

Answer 5

• New• Lasts at least 6 months• Not relieved by bed rest• Severe enough to prevent participation in most activities• Feeling extremely tired for more than 24 hours after exercise that would normally be considered easy• Feeling un-refreshed after sleeping for a proper amount of time• Forgetfulness• Concentration problems• Confusion• Joint pain but no swelling or redness• Headaches that differ from those you have had in the past• Irritability• Mild fever• Muscle aches• Muscle weakness, all over, • Sore throat• Sore lymph nodes in the neck or under the arms

Question 6

Pathophysiology of CFS:

Answer 6

Unknown Possible Virus?

Question 7

Conventional therapies for CFS:

Answer 7

• Conservation of energy - Relaxation and stress management; communication- Balanced diet; avoid sugary drinks- NSAIDs; low-dose antidepressants- Nutritional supplements (vits A, E, C, B12)- “Alternative” therapies – acupuncture, massage

Question 8

What is the Role of aerobic exercise in rehabilitation of CFS?White et al., (2011)

Answer 8

Reverse the deconditioning cycle – using physical exercise

Question 9

What was the most beneficial Tx method for CFS from the White et at study?

Answer 9

o Cognitive behaviour therapy (reverse fear avoidance behaviours – useof physical activity)