What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
(Chronic Fatigue Immunodysfunction)
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) also known as chronic fatigue immunodysfunction (CFID) has been described as a condition that causes prolonged severe fatigue not relieved by rest. Generally, the onset of symptoms are sudden, however, the onset can be gradual. Symptoms usually develop within a few hours or days and last a minimum of six months. Sometimes the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (chronic fatigue immunodysfunction) can linger for a lifetime. The fatigue that occurs for no apparent reason is severe, almost constant, and can significantly limit our activities of daily living (ADLs). Chronic fatigue immunodysfunction syndrome may be accompanied by multiple nonspecific symptoms that can persist or reoccur throughout the period of illness.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome History
Alphabet soup of terms:
Most common terms:
- CFS: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- CFIDS: Chronic Fatigue ImmunodysfunctionSyndrome
- ME: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
Other terms: Neuralgia, Atypical polio, Yuppie flu, Fatigue - chronic, Immune dysfunction syndrome, Epidemic neuromyasthenia, Post viral fatigue syndrome
According to Dr. Peter Rowe at John Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore (1998 Clinical and Scientific Meeting), the symptoms that define chronic fatigue syndrome have been around for many decades. (See resources). It is recognized by several names in different parts of the world.
In the mid-1950s chronic fatigue immunodysfunction went by the name "Myalgic Encephalomyelitis" (ME) in the UK and Canada. Even older terms such as "neuralgia" or "atypical polio" described the same symptoms. The term chronic fatigue syndrome was adopted in 1988. The determination as to what term best describes this condition is still under dispute and a very controversial topic. I support a name change. Although chronic fatigue is the number one symptom of the disorder, a term that suggests the cause would certainly be more appropriate. That is why I prefer the term Chronic Fatigue Immunodysfunction.
This discovery is catapulting research on CFID into a new dimension. After the study was published WPI found a higher incidence of the virus in CFID participants and a small sampling of FM patients also tested positive. More research is needed to determine if the virus is a cause of CFID or other related neuro-immune, how it is transmitted, how prevalent it is, and how to treat it.
Since the WPI study, the British have conducted two studies and the results were not replicated. What we need to do is push for replicated studies using the same methods and tools. Hold on because it could be a bumpy ride.
In the meantime, I didn’t think I would live long enough to experience all that this discovery means to us. Listen up my dear friends/readers, no longer will CFID be a wastebasket diagnosis, nor will we be told that our symptoms are all in our head. I feel certain that the CDC will recognize the need for a name change. Glory, Halleluiah!