Chronic fatigue syndrome

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Chronic fatigue syndrome refers to severe, continued tiredness that is not relieved by rest and is not directly caused by other medical conditions.

See also: Fatigue

CFS; Fatigue - chronic; Immune dysfunction syndrome; Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME)

The exact cause of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is unknown. Some theories suggest CFS may be due to:

• Epstein-Barr virus or human herpes virus-6 (HHV-6); however, no specific virus has been identified as the cause
• Innflammation in the nervous system, because of a faulty immune system response

The following may also play a role in the development of CFS:

• Age
• Previous illnesses
• Stress
• Genetics
• Environmental factors

CFS most commonly occurs in women ages 30 to 50.

Review Date: 02/14/2011
Reviewed By: Michael E. Makover, MD is a professor and attending in rheumatology at the New York University Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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