Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), sometimes called post viral fatigue syndrome, previously myalgic encephalomyelitis (re-named because there is no evidence of inflammation of the myelin component of brain tissue) is a condition where there is persistent severe fatiguability affecting both mind and muscles: there can be exhaustion after the mildest exertion. It may follow any viral illness, but is specifically associated in adolescents with infection by the Epstein-Barr virus, the agent that causes glandular fever; hepatitis, or some viruses that infect the gastro-intestinal tract, but it might arise without evidence of a preceding viral infection. The symptoms may be prolonged. Exhaustion and a sense of inadequacy, failure and conflict with parents may induce depression, which exacerbates the symptoms. ‘Tired All The Time’ (or TATT) is a condition with many causes besides CFS such as anaemia or thyroid failure, which might need to be excluded. The management involves ensuring adequate dietary input, increasing exercise gradually to improve muscle function and treating any depressive symptoms (a component of treatment sometimes, wrongly, opposed by parents and patients: untreated depression prolongs the disease).
|
