Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Myalgic Encephomyelitis
What’s the difference between Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and fatigue? A huge difference according to an article in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that focused on a cutting edge research study conducted at Stanford University. Researchers found that inflammation is the driver of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or its other name myalgic encephalomyelitis.
In this research, 17 different cytokines, which are immune system signaling proteins were found in blood samples of people affected by Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or ME/CFS. The sicker the person was (experiencing more symptoms) the higher concentrations of these cytokines in their blood. The evidence seems to be conclusive that ME/CFS is an inflammatory disease. (See more about the Immune system and cytokines in 5 Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Your Blood and Oncology Basics: The Immune System and Immunotherapy)
For many years, people living with this disease have been dismissed, told to exercise and even told to get therapy because it was “all in your head.” Symptoms include the debilitating fatigue that persists past 6 months, but also swollen lymph nodes, muscle pain, diarrhea, headaches and “brain fog”or cognitive impairment. These symptoms can last for decades. People with ME/CFS have difficulty maintaining their previous levels of time in their work, in educational pursuits and social activities.
Over 1 million people in the US and many millions more worldwide suffer from the inflammatory disease ME/CFS.
Fatigue
Chronic fatigue syndrome is different from regular fatigue, though regular fatigue is a significant problem. Fatigue is caused by lack of sleep and can be remedied with rest (unlike CFS/ME). According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society concur saying adults need at least 7 hours of sleep each night. The National Safety Council has created two infographics. The first describes the reasons you experience fatigue when you are not sleeping.
Shift workers, those who work long hours and those who are sleep deprived, are at higher risk of vehicle crashes, obesity, psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression, musculoskeletal disorders, reproductive problems, diminished immune response and numerous chronic diseases including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disease, cancer, diabetes. –(Caruoso et. al, 2016; Perkins et. al, 2001; Frazier et. al, 2003; Rosekind et. al, 2010; Rajaratnam et. al, 2011)
Provided by The National Safety Council
My wife is going through this now. Is there treatment available? They are treating her for fibro but she has debilitating migraines. Please help!
Best treatment I have ever found when I have a period of severe headaches is accupunture. I always find relief with it & I do recommend it if you & your wife are able to fund it.
Hi Brad,
Someone has probably already suggested Magnesium and Vitamin B, but if she hasn’t tried that it’s worth a try. It helped me when I was having horrible cluster headaches all the time.
Hi Maggie,
I have those vitamins, along with many others. I read up on my illnesses bc I don’t trust that my Drs are doing all that they can. Do you need to take the magnesium with food? Unfortunately, I usually don’t take any of them with food. I lack an appetite in the morning. The thought of it makes me nauseous. I’m so tired of being sick that I’m becoming desperate on how to take care of myself. I went the holistic route & loved it. It definitely helped, but being on disability, on a limited income, I had to stop.
If you have any other suggestions, I’ll gladly take them.
Thank you,
Dawne
Hi Brad,
I know it has been a while since you posted &I pray your wife wasn’t diagnosed with fibro. I was & it’s a horrible illness to control. The way your body feels totally changes as compared to when you didn’t have it.
Unfortunately, I was diagnosed with fibro, chronic fatigue, chronic vertigo, thyroiditis, arthritis, binocular vision disorder…a list that I have to write down to remember. I’m young & this is very scary for me. Please make sure that your wife gets a series of blood work just to cover all bases. Go to specialists, such as the rheumatologist, orthopedic Dr, etc…
I how she feels better & you’ve gotten some answers.
I’ll be praying for her.
Dawne
I’m so pleased that someone is raising these important points. It’s a dreadful illness and time that it is given the proper recognition it deserves. It’s Time sufferes are supported and stop being dismissed.
Patients with HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy) are often told symptoms are “in their head”. It’s an energy depletion disease also. Genetic sarcomere protein mutations. Diastolic dysfunction/heartfailure. Often associated with inflammation of unknown causes. >CRP, myocites, neutrophils, eosinophils etc. extreme fatigue of unknown cause as opposed to extreme tiredness. Defined by left ventricle hypertrophy that can develop at any age, research now finding patients developing symptoms before signs. Wondering if within the heart cells any new imaging that can zoom in to look at these hearts?