Diagnosing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Diagnosing chronic fatigue syndrome is not an easy disorder to identify simply because the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (cfs) mimic many other illnesses.  Some of the primary symptoms of cfs include sore throat, persistent muscle pain, sleep problems or insomnia, tender lymph nodes, joint pain and malaise.  Of course, these symptoms can apply to a myriad of other conditions and illnesses.  These symptoms can also be compounded by other secondary symptoms such as, depression, chills and night sweats, irritable bowel syndrome, dizziness or balance problems and the patient feeling as if he or she is in a mental fog.  It is quite evident that this illness can be very elusive to a doctor who is attempting a cfs diagnosis; therefore extensive evaluation of the patient’s symptoms must be conducted in order to obtain an accurate diagnosis of cfs.

Obtaining an accurate chronic fatigue syndrome diagnosis involves a process of ruling out other illnesses.  This includes extensive lab work including urinalysis, complete blood count, electrolyte count a chemistry panel and many other tests.  This procedure is necessary to rule out illnesses such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).  The patient’s mental status must be evaluated.  The patient’s medical history inclusive of prescription and over the counter medications, vitamins and supplements must also be examined.  Diagnosis is not a quick and simple process and only a physician can diagnose cfs.

One of the characteristics of chronic fatigue syndrome that makes it exceedingly difficult to diagnose is that the illness can be cyclical with periods alternating between the patient feeling energetic and feeling fatigued.  While it can make the disorder difficult to diagnose, it can also make it difficult to manage.  Patients who experience a remission may actually exacerbate a relapse by trying to do too much, thus overworking.

Symptomatic treatments are generally used in treatment of cfs.  Stress reduction is also often advised.  Regular office visits with the patient’s physician are very important not only in obtaining a diagnosis, but also in managing the patient’s treatment.  Medical evidence suggests that the sooner a patient seeks diagnosis and treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome, the more successful that treatment is and the better chance they have for improvement of their condition.  With cfs, early diagnosis and treatment are key to a successful outcome.

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About The Author:
Kerri Iamele is a successful author and regular contributor to sleep-disorders-help.com.