CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME DIAGNOSIS |
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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is diagnosed by evaluating symptoms
and eliminating other causes of fatigue. Doctors carefully question
patients about their symptoms, any other illnesses they have had,
and medications they are taking. They also conduct a physical
examination, neurological examination, and laboratory tests to
identify any underlying disorders or other diseases that cause
fatigue. In the United States, many doctors use the CDC case
definition to determine if a patient has Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
To be diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, patients must meet both of the following
criteria:
Unexplained continuing or recurring chronic fatigue for at least six
months that is of new or definite onset, is not the result of
ongoing exertion, and is not mainly relieved by rest, and causes
occupational, educational, social, or personal activities to be
greatly reduced.
Four or more of the following symptoms: loss of short-term memory or
ability to concentrate; sore throat; tender lymph nodes; muscle pain;
multi-joint pain without swelling or redness; headaches of a new
type, pattern, or severity; unrefreshing sleep; and post-exertional
malaise (a vague feeling of discomfort or tiredness following
exercise or other physical or mental activity) lasting more than 24
hours. These symptoms must have continued or recurred during six or
more consecutive months of illness and must not have started before
the fatigue began. |
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