5 Signs You May Have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a highly complex, little-understood, and frequently undiagnosed disorder. There is yet no determined cause of CFS; multiple tests are required to identify it definitively and to rule out the possibility of other health concerns. It is estimated that approximately one million Americans suffer from CFS.

CFS may arise from a variety of underlying conditions, including emotional stress, untreated depression, and viral infection. Here are five signs that you could be suffering from CFS.

1. Persistent, unexplained fatigue. While it is perfectly common to feel tired after a particularly trying or active day, feeling consistently overwhelmed by exhaustion for no apparent cause, or feeling short of breath without exertion, is an indication of a possible medical concern. If you barely have the energy to perform basic tasks, like simple household chores or typical work duties, you’ll want to be checked for CFS.
2. Inability to fall asleep, or sleep restfully. One of the strangest and most frustrating symptoms of CFS is the difficulty in falling asleep, in spite of the near-constant weariness. Once sleep is achieved, it is often fitful, and sufferers rarely feel refreshed.
3. You don’t feel steady when standing upright. Sufferers of CFS may feel as though they are going to tip over when standing up, though the symptoms aren’t pronounced when lying down. Sufferers might also feel lightheaded and have a lack of coordination. One suspected cause for this instability is a condition often associated with CFS called orthostatic intolerance, which involves the disruption of blood flow to the brain when standing.
4. Dull pain in multiple locations. CFS is accompanied by intermittent, oftentimes severe pain located in the muscles and joints, but sore throats and headaches are also common. The pain isn’t accompanied by any swelling, redness, or rupture, and isn’t related to activity-related muscle fatigue.
5. Inability to concentrate. CFS sufferers lack the ability to focus for even brief periods of time, and often suffer from compromised memory. Sufferers might feel as though they are consistently in a fog, become distracted easily, and become confused or disoriented.

If you are experiencing any kind of unexplained exhaustion, pain, or reduction of memory function, it is critical that you seek medical attention. Very often CFS can be successfully managed through a series of appropriate medications, combined with stress reduction techniques and therapy. (Stress can exacerbate symptoms considerably.) However, while the above symptoms are consistent with CFS, there are numerous other conditions that could be contributing factors that may need immediate treatment.

We can help treat with any of these symptoms at 209 Urgent Care just give us a call at 209-846-9429 or walk-in