Diagnosing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
No medical test can reliably detect chronic fatigue syndrome. The first step toward making a diagnosis is for doctors to perform tests to rule out conditions with similar symptoms, including chronic infections such as tuberculosis, mononucleosis or Lyme; fibromyalgia; autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and lupus; or psychiatric/emotional conditions.
Second, doctors evaluate the patient following guidelines set by the CDC:
- Unexplained persistent fatigue that's not due to ongoing exertion, isn't substantially relieved by rest, is of new onset and results in a significant reduction in previous levels of activitiy.
- Four or more of the following symptoms are present for six months or more:
- Impaired memory or concentration
- Post-exertional mailaise (extreme, prolonged exhaustion and sickness following physical or mental activity)
- Unrefreshing sleep
- Muscle pain
- Joint pain without swelling or redness
- Headaches of a new type or severity
- Sore throat that's frequent or recurring
- Tender cervical or axillary lymph nodes
These symptoms must have been constant or recurring during at least six months of illness and must not have started before the fatigue.
To date, no medical specialty has "claimed" CFS. It's up to you to find a doctor knowledgable about the condition.
Source:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, May 3 2006"Diagnosing CFS"
