Gavini Pediatrics - Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Gavini Pediatric & ADHD Clinics 26850 Providence Parkway, Suite 300, Novi, MI 48374 :: 248.348.4200 www.ADHDclinic.com :: www.YourKidsDoctor.com
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome A condition in which the cause is unknown and the sufferer experiences extreme fatigue that doesn’t seem to be caused by any underlying medical condition. It is possible that with physical or mental activity, that the fatigue may worsen and doesn’t improve with rest. Treatment for this condition focuses on the relief of symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms Fatigue Sore Throat Unexplained Muscle Pain Unrefreshing Sleep Loss of Memory or Concentration Extreme exhaustion lasting more than 24 hours after physical or mental exercise New type of headache, severity, or pattern Pain that moves from one joint to another in the absence of redness or swelling Enlarged Lymph Nodes in the Neck or Armpits
Causes In general, doctors don’t know what exactly causes chronic fatigue syndrome. In the studies of persons with chronic fatigue syndrome, researchers have noted hormonal imbalances, chronic fatigue beginning after a viral infection (Epstein-Barr, Mouse Leukemia Virus, and Human Herpesvirus 6 have been noted) , and slightly impaired immune systems. No definitive connections have been made to the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome from these findings.
Risk Factors Age, typical sufferers are in their 40's and 50's Gender, women are more commonly diagnosed with chronic fatigue than men. Persons who are overweight and inactive. Stress
Complications Lifestyle restrictions Depression Increased work absences Social Isolation
Tests It is possible that you’ll have to undergo several tests as there is no one conclusive test for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Mental Health Issues: a variety of mental health problems have fatigue as a symptom. Sleep Disorders: Sleep disorders like sleep apnea can cause chronic fatigue. Medical Problems: Tests for conditions that also have fatigue as a symptom, like hypothyroidism and diabetes.
Diagnostic Criteria In order to meet the criteria for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and individual must have at least six months of unexplained and persistent fatigue, along with at least four of the symptoms listed above.
Treatment Because chronic fatigue syndrome is such a complicated disorder with no known specific cause, there are many different treatment than can be prescribed or used. Therapy Graded Exercise: meeting with a physical therapist will help you to find what types of exercise, and length of exercise is right for you. Psychological Counseling: a counselor can assist you in finding ways to work around your chronic fatigue and help you to feel more in control of your daily life. Medications Sleeping pills: your doctor may prescribe to you sleeping pills if standard home measures (such as avoiding caffeine) aren’t working to help you get a restful night’s sleep. Antidepressants: it is common for many chronic fatigue sufferers to also have depression. Alternative Medicine Massage: getting massages helps to relieve stress and tension. Yoga or Tai Chi Acupuncture Lifestyle and Home Remedies Improve Sleep Habits: develop a routine everyday for going to bed and waking up. Limit your caffeine intake as well as naps. Pace Yourself: keep your activity level even if you can. Don’t do too much on your good days, even though you may be tempted to. This could result in extreme exhaustion the next day. Reduce Stress: come up with a plan to avoid certain known stressors in your life.

Gavini Pediatric & ADHD Clinics

26850 Providence Parkway, Suite 300, Novi, MI 48374 :: 248.348.4200

www.ADHDclinic.com :: www.YourKidsDoctor.com

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

A condition in which the cause is unknown and the sufferer experiences extreme fatigue that doesn’t seem to be caused by any underlying medical condition. It is possible that with physical or mental activity, that the fatigue may worsen and doesn’t improve with rest. Treatment for this condition focuses on the relief of symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms

Fatigue
Sore Throat
Unexplained Muscle Pain
Unrefreshing Sleep
Loss of Memory or Concentration
Extreme exhaustion lasting more than 24 hours after physical or mental exercise
New type of headache, severity, or pattern
Pain that moves from one joint to another in the absence of redness or swelling
Enlarged Lymph Nodes in the Neck or Armpits

Causes

In general, doctors don’t know what exactly causes chronic fatigue syndrome. In the studies of persons with chronic fatigue syndrome, researchers have noted hormonal imbalances, chronic fatigue beginning after a viral infection (Epstein-Barr, Mouse Leukemia Virus, and Human Herpesvirus 6 have been noted) , and slightly impaired immune systems. No definitive connections have been made to the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome from these findings.

Risk Factors

Age, typical sufferers are in their 40's and 50's
Gender, women are more commonly diagnosed with chronic fatigue than men.
Persons who are overweight and inactive.
Stress

Complications

Lifestyle restrictions
Depression
Increased work absences
Social Isolation

Tests

It is possible that you’ll have to undergo several tests as there is no one conclusive test for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Mental Health Issues: a variety of mental health problems have fatigue as a symptom.
Sleep Disorders: Sleep disorders like sleep apnea can cause chronic fatigue.
Medical Problems: Tests for conditions that also have fatigue as a symptom, like hypothyroidism and diabetes.

Diagnostic Criteria

In order to meet the criteria for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and individual must have at least six months of unexplained and persistent fatigue, along with at least four of the symptoms listed above.

Treatment

Because chronic fatigue syndrome is such a complicated disorder with no known specific cause, there are many different treatment than can be prescribed or used.

Therapy
- Graded Exercise: meeting with a physical therapist will help you to find what types of exercise, and length of exercise is right for you.
- Psychological Counseling: a counselor can assist you in finding ways to work around your chronic fatigue and help you to feel more in control of your daily life.
Medications
- Sleeping pills: your doctor may prescribe to you sleeping pills if standard home measures (such as avoiding caffeine) aren’t working to help you get a restful night’s sleep.
- Antidepressants: it is common for many chronic fatigue sufferers to also have depression.
Alternative Medicine
- Massage: getting massages helps to relieve stress and tension.
- Yoga or Tai Chi
- Acupuncture
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- Improve Sleep Habits: develop a routine everyday for going to bed and waking up. Limit your caffeine intake as well as naps.
- Pace Yourself: keep your activity level even if you can. Don’t do too much on your good days, even though you may be tempted to. This could result in extreme exhaustion the next day.
- Reduce Stress: come up with a plan to avoid certain known stressors in your life.