Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms

You've probably read about chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms such as fatigue, pain and exercise intolerance, but the list of possible symptoms of this condition are far-reaching and body-wide.

Many of these symptoms also can be caused by other ailments and you should discuss all symptoms with a doctor to rule out other conditions. This list isn't intended as a diagnostic tool. This list includes only those symptoms that you can detect yourself, not things for which you'd need a medical test. It's intended not to take the place of a medical diagnosis, but to give you valuable information. Knowing the full range of symptoms can help you track them either to help your doctor diagnose you properly, or to help you identify things that make you feel worse.

• Learn how doctors diagnose chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Find a doctor who treats chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Track your symptoms.

Some of the following are noted as overlapping conditions, which means they commonly occur with chronic fatigue syndrome but actually are conditions that need to be diagnosed and treated separately.

People with chronic fatigue syndrome may have flare-ups and remissions or may have constant symptoms with very little day-to-day change. You can have any combination of the following symptoms, and to varying degrees of severity. (Symptoms with an asterisk are included in the CDC diagnostic criteria, which is somewhat controversial. Many researchers and advocates are calling for the U.S. to adopt Canadian diagnostic criteria.)

Sleep & Energy-Related Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms

• Incapacitating fatigue*
• Post-exertional malaise* (extreme fatigue after exercise, lasting 24 hours or more)
• Poor stamina
• Sleep disorders/unrefreshing sleep

Flu-Like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms

• Pain in joints without swelling or redness* (can be constant or move between joints)
• Muscle aches* and/or weakness
• Unrefreshing sleep*
• Sore throat*
• Headaches of a new type, pattern of severity*
• Tender lymph nodes
• Chronic cough
• Nausea
• Recurrent flu-like illness

Other Pain/Sensation-Related Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms

• Morning stiffness
• Earache
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), as an overlapping condition (abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, bloating)
• Numbness
• Tingling and/or burning sensations in the face or extremities
• Chest pains (Always treat chest pain as a serious condition warranting immediate medical care.)
• Jaw pain (possibly TMJ, as an overlapping condition)

Cognitive Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms

• Short-term memory or concentration problems*
• Word-finding difficulties
• Inability to comprehend or retain what is read
• Inability to calculate numbers
• Impaired speech
• Impaired reasoning
• Spacial disorientation
• Mental fogginess

Psychological Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms

• Depression, as an overlapping condition
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Personality changes
• Mood swings

Sensitivities & Intolerances of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

• New or worsening allergies
• Sensitivities to noise, odors, chemicals or medications
• Sensitivity to heat and/or cold, causing symptoms to be worse
• Alcohol intolerance
• Sensitivities to medicines, foods, and chemicals

Cardio & Respiratory Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms

• Irregular heartbeat
• Neurally mediated hypotension (dizziness & balance problems upon standing)
• Shortness of breath
• Frequent, hard to treat respiratory infections

General Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms

• Low-grade fever or low body temperature
• Visual disturbances (blurring, light sensitivity, eye pain, worsening vision, dry eyes)
• Chills & night sweats
• Dry mouth & eyes (called sicca syndrome)
• Rashes
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears), as an overlapping condition
• Unexplained weight changes
• Muscle twitching
• Seizures
• Recurrent infections
• Frequent canker sores
• History of herpes simplex or shingles
• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), as an overlapping condition
• Endometriosis, as an overlapping condition