Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Signs and Symptoms

Diagnosis:

Fatigue
Recurrent upper respiratory tract illnesses, often resistant to treatment
Cognitive function problems
a. Attention span contraction>
b. Concentration difficulties
c. Dyscalcutia (difficulty with mathematical calculations)
d. Sequential memory disturbance
e. Spatial disorientation
f. Spoken words which are incorrect or inaccurate in sense
Psychological problems
a. Depression
b. Anxiety
c. Personality changes
d. Emotional lability
Other central nervous system/parasympathetic nervous system effects
a. Sleep disturbance
b. Headaches (often behind eyes, and pressure-like)
c. Visual disturbance (frequent prescription changes, blurred vision, floaters)
d. Seizure"8 -
e. Sensory Disturbances (Paresesthesias [tingling], Dysesthesias [numbness] of face and
extremities)
f. Disequilibrium
g. Lightheadedness
h. Nightmares
i. Dysarthria (difficulty pronouncing words intelligibly)
j. Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
k. Nystagmus (vibrating visual changes)
I. Focal weakness (weakness in one area, transiently)
m. Black outs (amnesiac episodes)
n. Photophobia (sensitivities to bright tight)
o. Anisocoria (dilated pupil)
q. Neuritis
r. Acute encephalopathy, with lethargy and confusion
Lymphadenopathy (especially posterior cervical and axillary)
Enlarged spleen
Abdominal pain, often with mucoid diarrhea
Allergies
Night sweats
Low grade fevers
Palpitations
Weight change (weight gain greater than weight loss)
Myalgias, arthralgias, muscle and joint aches, pains
Right upper quadrant pain (rare hepatitis)
Rash/skin ulcers
Metabolic rate disturbances, low core temperatures, especially in the A.M,
Impotence, decreased libido
Myocarditis, with arrhythmias-chest pain
Thyroiditis, inflammation of the thyroid gland
Bloody or mucoid nasal drainage
Herpes simplex/varicella zoster/CMV
Herpetiform lesions of the mouth, buccal mucosa and genitalia which are negative for herpes
simplex; herpes-like lesions of the mouth or genitalia
Thrombo-embolic events
a. CVA'S
b. Myocardial infarction
c. Thrombophlebitis
d. Splinter hemorrhages
Hair texture changes
Hair loss
Alcohol intolerance
Aspartame intolerance
First trimester miscarriages
Prematurity and low birth weights
Complexion problems (acneform lesions)
Involuntary gagging-esophageal problems
Gall bladder disease
idiopathic pancreatitis
Peptic ulcer disease/gastritis
Tongue disorders
a. Geographic tongue
b. Discoloration/coatings
Nail changes/discoloration/fungal infections
Urinary tractinfections/dysuria
Candida infections: oral/pharyngeal/vaginal
Periorbital/eyelid edema
Hearing disorders other than tinnitus
a. Crackling/popping/buzzing
b. Lateralizing hearing deficitsOther symptoms that are frequently reported by patients include:
Bruising
Nausea or queasiness
Gastro-esophageal reflux
Excess perspiration
Gamey odor
Worsening of symptoms premenstrually
Stiffness or "gelling"
Frequent urination (nocturia)
Dry mouth and eyes (Sicca complex)
Constant thirst
Anorexia (no appetite)
Cough
Generalized swelling, especially fingers

Source: Dr. Cheney, National CFIDS Foundation, 2008 - http://www.ncf-net.org/index.html