Clinical presentation of chronic fatigue syndrome.
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a chronic illness of uncertain aetiology characterized by at least six months of debilitating fatigue and associated symptoms. The symptoms of the syndrome are all non-specific and some (but not all) are also seen in psychiatric illness. The symptomatology suggesting an organic component to the illness includes its abrupt onset with an 'infectious-like' illness, intermittent unexplained fevers, arthralgias and 'gelling' (stiffness), sore throats, cough, photophobia, night sweats, and post-exertional malaise with systemic symptoms. The illness can last for years and is associated with marked impairment of functional health status.
Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115.
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D000208:Acute Disease; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005221:Fatigue / Q000175:diagnosis; D015673:Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D010808:Physical Examination; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors