Finding Cures for Chronic Fatigue |
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Statistics And Myths Behind Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimated in early 1990's that 10 in every 100,000 persons were medically treated for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. A prevalence study in 1999 evaluated a large random sample of persons living in the metropolitan Chicago area. The study revealed rates of 422 persons per 100,000. More recent studies came to the conclusion that there are 800,000 adults in the USA that have been seen by medical personnel and have exhibited symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Symptom. This number is twice the number of known Multiple Sclerosis sufferers. These rates signify a disease that is gathering the attention of the American public. Physicians are trying to understand how to diagnose the disease better in an illness that presents itself in a wide variety of symptoms.
It has long been thought to be that a virus might possibly be the culprit behind CFS. Recent research indicates though that it just might be a combination of factors like one or more viruses combined with environmental toxins, stress and a certain amount of genetic connection.
Chronic Fatigue Fast Facts
The Nitty Gritty Important Issues Surrounding CFS
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or CFS is a poorly understood ailment. Annals of Internal Medicine in December of 1994 published a definition for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome under the guidance of the Center For Disease Control. Here is a shortened outline of that definition:
To be diagnosed with CFS the patient must present with new, unexplained fatigue that has been of 6 month duration or longer that can not be attributed to physical exertion, cannot be relieved by rest and limits or reduces the...
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Myths
Myth #1 - People with CFS are just tired from being overworked or from too much stress
Fact - Persons being medically treated with the disease have been shown to have abnormal issues with their immune, neurological, endocrine or other body systems.
Fact - The fatigue felt by those with CFS is far more extreme than the fatigue felt by a person who has physically exerted him or herself or simply has had a busy day
Myth #2 - People with CFS are just depressed or mentally ill.
Fact - In the 1999 study mentioned earlier, 60% of the people diagnosed with CFS had never experienced depression prior to the onset of the CFS symptoms.
Fact - People who suffer from depression generally feel better with exercise. Those who suffer from CFS will worsen with exercise due to their bodies inability to handle the physical stress.
Fact - Those medically determined to be depressed have been found to have enlarged adrenal glands. People who have been examined by a physician who have CFS have been found to have small, low-functioning adrenal glands.
Fact - New research has uncovered patients with lesions in their brains that can decrease blood flow, which may account for some of the symptoms CFS patients experience - confusion, memory loss, inability to concentrate. In 2002 the diagnosis code for those suffering the symptoms of CFS became coded as "other disorders of the brain".
As with most diseases there are bound to be those who misunderstand it. As new research brings forth better data, the medical professionals and general public will hopefully understand the disease more. In the meantime, finding out about what information is available, and lending support to those who suffer from symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, lobbying legislators and the research community at large to do more to uncover the causes and medical mysteries behind Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is what we all can do, to be supportive of those who suffer.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Advances
02/06/2012
Fallout From Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Retraction Is Far and Wide
As the published evidence for the source of chronic fatigue syndrome fell apart, a legal melodrama erupted, dismaying and demoralizing patients and many members of the scientific community.
Fallout From Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Retraction Is Far and Wide
02/08/2012
ME sufferers call for help
Thousands of people across Northern Ireland suffer from ME, also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, but they say there is not enough medical help in the region.
ME sufferers call for help
01/23/2012
Alyssa top scores in fight over fatigue
SHE regularly skipped classes and was lucky to make it to school two days a week but achieved an ATAR of 99.85
Alyssa top scores in fight over fatigue
01/28/2012
I have myalgic encephalitis [a ...
I have myalgic encephalitis [a form of chronic fatigue syndrome]. I had a severe relapse of it around three and a half years ago and am basically housebound. Even getting up and making breakfast is exhausting for me.
I have myalgic encephalitis [a ...
02/06/2012
Fallout From Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Retraction Is Far and Wide
As the published evidence for the source of chronic fatigue syndrome fell apart, a legal melodrama erupted, dismaying and demoralizing patients and many members of the scientific community.
Fallout From Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Retraction Is Far and Wide
02/08/2012
ME sufferers call for help
Thousands of people across Northern Ireland suffer from ME, also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, but they say there is not enough medical help in the region.
ME sufferers call for help
02/08/2012
Obesity Linked to Worse Fibromyalgia Symptoms
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 8 (HealthDay News) -- Obese people are not only at greater risk for fibromyalgia, they are likely to experience more severe symptoms of the condition, such as chronic pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance and mood disorders, according to a new study.
Obesity Linked to Worse Fibromyalgia Symptoms
02/07/2012
Review under way into ME service
Cornwall's chronic fatigue syndrome (ME) service is being reviewed following the retirement of the head of the service.
Review under way into ME service
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