Often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a real and debilitating condition with complex causes.
CFS, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), is not just “being tired.” It's a condition marked by profound energy crashes after minor exertion—physically, mentally, or emotionally.
Symptoms include:
- Post-exertional malaise (PEM)
- Unrefreshing sleep
- Cognitive issues (“brain fog”)
- Dizziness, headaches, muscle pain
There’s no single test for CFS, making it difficult to diagnose. Theories about causes include:
- Viral infections (e.g., Epstein-Barr virus)
- Immune dysfunction
- Mitochondrial abnormalities
Currently, there is no cure, but management strategies include:
- Pacing (energy envelope management)
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Anti-inflammatory nutrition
- Supportive counseling
- Supplements targeting mitochondrial health (CoQ10, NAD+)
Validation is key—patients are not imagining it, and real biological changes are often involved.