What mimics chronic fatigue syndrome?

Similar Medical Conditions
A number of illnesses have been described that have a similar spectrum of symptoms to CFS. These include fibromyalgia syndrome, myalgic encephalomyelitis, neurasthenia, multiple chemical sensitivities, and chronic mononucleosis.
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Can chronic fatigue syndrome be mistaken for something else?

It is possible that CFS is underdiagnosed in more than 80% of the people who have it, or is often misdiagnosed as depression. The main problems in diagnosis are: There is no specific test for CFS. Conditions that share the main symptoms of CFS are possibly also being underdiagnosed.
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What can mimic me CFS?

Common conditions that occur along with ME/CFS (co-morbidities) include the following:
  • Fibromyalgia.
  • Orthostatic intolerance.
  • Irritable bowel syndrome.
  • Interstitial cystitis.
  • Temporomandibular joint disorder.
  • Chronic pelvic pain.
  • Multiple chemical sensitivity disorder.
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What are the two criteria that must be met for a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome?

There exist two specific criteria that must be met for a diagnosis of CFS: (1) severe fatigue lasting six months or longer and (2) the coexistence of any four of a number of characteristic symptoms, defined as mild fever, sore throat, tender lymph nodes, muscle pain and weakness, joint pain, headache, sleep disorders, ...
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What do you rule out before diagnosing CFS?

Diagnostic criteria
  • So severe that it interferes with the ability to engage in pre-illness activities.
  • Of new or definite onset (not lifelong)
  • Not substantially alleviated by rest.
  • Worsened by physical, mental or emotional exertion.
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Solving the mystery of chronic fatigue syndrome



Does chronic fatigue syndrome show up in blood tests?

With blood samples from 40 people — 20 with chronic fatigue syndrome and 20 without — the test yielded precise results, accurately flagging all chronic fatigue syndrome patients and none of the healthy individuals. The diagnostic platform could even help identify possible drugs to treat chronic fatigue syndrome.
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What is Post Covid fatigue syndrome?

The deep fatigue Fisseha experiences is one of the most frequently reported long-term effects of COVID-19. It's known as "post-exertional malaise," a worsening of symptoms such as pain or fatigue after physical or mental exertion.
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What autoimmune causes fatigue?

Common ones include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Autoimmune diseases can affect many types of tissues and nearly any organ in your body. They may cause a variety of symptoms including pain, tiredness (fatigue), rashes, nausea, headaches, dizziness and more.
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Is there a test to diagnose chronic fatigue syndrome?

There's no test for myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), but there are clear guidelines to help doctors diagnose the condition. A GP should ask you about your medical history and give you a physical examination.
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What is the most common cause of chronic fatigue?

The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is unknown, although there are many theories — ranging from viral infections to psychological stress. Some experts believe chronic fatigue syndrome might be triggered by a combination of factors. There's no single test to confirm a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome.
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What is the difference between myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome?

Myalgic encephalomyelitis, also called chronic fatigue syndrome or ME/CFS, is a long-term condition with a wide range of symptoms. The most common symptom is extreme tiredness. ME/CFS can affect anyone, including children. It's more common in women, and tends to develop between your mid-20s and mid-40s.
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How do I know if I have CFS or fibromyalgia?

“They rely on one main difference between the two.” While fibromyalgia can cause fatigue, the dominant symptom is pain. For people with chronic fatigue syndrome, however, the dominant symptom is fatigue.
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Can CFS be confused with MS?

Poser writes: "An alarming number of CFS patients are misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). The severity and symptoms of CFS fluctuate and sometimes mimic the relapses and remission of MS...
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What blood tests should be done for fatigue?

A Fatigue Blood and Urine Test Panel includes a Complete Metabolic Panel (CMP-14), Complete Blood Count with Differentials, Iron with Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC), Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Sedimentation Rate, Westergren (SED), Urinalysis, Complete with Microscopic Examination.
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Is Chronic Fatigue an autoimmune condition?

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: An Autoimmune Disorder of the Neuroendocrine System.
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Can autoimmune cause chronic fatigue?

Profound and debilitating fatigue is the most common complaint reported among individuals with autoimmune disease, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis.
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What doctor can diagnose chronic fatigue syndrome?

Doctors might refer patients to see a specialist, like a neurologist, rheumatologist, or a sleep specialist, to check for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
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What is the best treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome?

There's no specific medicine for treating ME/CFS, but medicine can be used to relieve some of the symptoms. Over-the-counter painkillers can help ease headaches, as well as muscle and joint pain. A GP can prescribe stronger painkillers, although they should only be used on a short-term basis.
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What are markers for autoimmune disease?

Antinuclear antibodies are markers for a number of autoimmune diseases, the most notable of which is systemic lupus erythematosus (Ferrell and Tan, 1985). Antibodies to specific nuclear constituents are high specific for certain collagen vascular diseases.
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How do you feel when you have an autoimmune disease?

Common Autoimmune Disease Symptoms

Fatigue. Joint pain and swelling. Skin problems. Abdominal pain or digestive issues.
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Do autoimmune diseases show up in blood tests?

One blood test for autoimmune disease is C-reactive protein (CRP). Another test is ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) - this is done to assess an inflammation that is not from an infection or due to other reasons. One of the most common blood tests for detecting autoimmune disorders is ANA (antinuclear antibodies).
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Can COVID trigger chronic fatigue?

TUESDAY, Nov. 30, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- The often debilitating condition known as chronic fatigue syndrome appears to be common among COVID-19 long-haulers.
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What does Covid fatigue feel like?

It can leave people feeling dull and finding it difficult to concentrate and recall memories. Fatigue is very common after viral infections, such as COVID and normally it settles after 2 or 3 weeks. However, in some people it can linger for weeks or months.
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Is Long COVID similar to chronic fatigue syndrome?

Yet the similarities of Long COVID to ME/CFS are striking, starting with a significant overlap in the symptoms, notably fatigue, unrefreshing sleep or “post-exertional malaise”—a general sense of being unwell after even minor physical or cognitive exertion affecting a majority of those with long COVID, along with high ...
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