|
|
CFS and FMS Research
What are chronic fatigue/pain disorders?
Introduction
Chronic fatigue/pain disorders are a range of illnesses that have profound fatigue and/or pain as their major symptoms. Until recently, medical science has been confounded by the range of seemingly inexplicable symptoms that are present in many cases of these illnesses. Common names for these disorders include: chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS) and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS).
The research team gave a presentation at the 1998 Sydney CFS Conference called: “Host versus acquired responses in defined CFS patients”. The team put forward their belief that the use of CFS as a clinical diagnosis is not supported by the available data and should be replaced with the diagnosis of a chronic fatigue disorder.
As a result of these research findings, the term chronic fatigue/pain disorder has virtually replaced all previous names for these illnesses in Bioscreen literature.Symptoms of chronic fatigue/pain disorder
Chronic fatigue/pain disorders are serious long-term illnesses. They often have symptoms that can be similar to many other illnesses. Left untreated, many sufferers do tend to improve over time, although a small proportion may experience progressive deterioration. Full recovery from these illnesses tends to be a very rare occurrence.
These fatigue and/or pain related disorders have been found to have similar characteristics to many cases of influenza or glandular fever. These similarities include:
1. Mild fever
2. Swollen lymph nodes (or “glands”)
3. Lethargy, and generalised body aches and pains
However, despite these similarities, there are also significant differences. Chronic fatigue disorders cause varying degrees of the muscle fatigue and pain. The major symptoms that readily distinguish these illnesses from other diseases are the intense levels of physical and mental fatigue that patients can suffer.
This fatigue is often experienced at the slightest exertion, and can sometimes make people so debilitated that they are unable to get out of bed for extended periods of time. Indeed, some patients have described their illness as having symptoms of temporary muscular paralysis.
If these symptoms last for more than six months, the sufferer will normally be diagnosed by a doctor as suffering from ME, CFS, CFIDS and/or FMS. It is important to note that the sensation of fatigue experienced is often unlike that found in other diseases. It is felt that “physical and mental exhaustion” is a much better way to describe this feeling.
Home | Background | Researchers | What are chronic fatigue/pain disorders? | Bioscreen Research | Tests and Treatments | Bioscreen Tests Articles | News and Notices | Book | Book Extracts and Articles | New Book | Extracts
© Bioscreen, CPRU, S Ashton and F Bartosy 1999 - 2001
Apart from fair dealing as permitted under the Copyright Act, no portion of the contents of this site may be reproduced in any way without prior written permission. All rights reserved.
Disclaimer: The information on this site is based on theorectical and practical research work and experimental treatment and management protocols. There can be no guarantees, either implied or given, that these treatments will definitely be of benefit to everyone. In addition, some people may experience unknown side-effects. We cannot accept any responsibility, legal or otherwise, if the contents of this website adversely influences any person's health or treatment options. All treatments should be closely supervised by a competent and qualified doctor.